Liz Looks at the Stars
By LIZ McMAHON
August 20 - September 3
***Chinese Zodiac***
(The Chinese zodiac assigns an animal symbol according to the year of birth.
Your humble astrologer is matching them up to your Western zodiac sign for
entertainment purposes only.)
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
You have opportunities to go far with your talents. Your generous nature pulls you
in different directions - stay focused to achieve your ‘bigger picture’ goals. Don't hold
back this September. You’ll be able to impress the people both in business, and in
your personal life. This month could create a new trajectory for the next decade of
your life! The Chinese Zodiac has 12 animals that are representative of years
in some East Asian countries. Each year of the 12-year cycle is named after one of
the 12 animals. Each animal has specific personality traits. The Chinese zodiac is
different from the Western one because it’s done by calendar only; there are no
equivalent constellations.
Your Chinese symbol: Monkey (Fixed element, Metal) Monkeys are the erratic
but brilliant ones. You’re a motivator, improviser, problem solver, and are self-
assured, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, sociable, dignified, competitive,
and intellectual. You have a good memory, and a desire for knowledge. You can be
vain, selfish, reckless, snobby, deceptive, manipulative, and cunning. There are few
fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful. Your danger is that you want
to do things now, and if you can’t get results fast enough, you get frustrated or
bored and sometimes bail out. You are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
2009 is the year of the Ox, and should be a happy year for you Bulls. For the
single Taurus, there will be a chance for new friendships and romances. Other Bulls
will revel in domesticity. Being an Ox year, this is one that will provide enjoyment for
you as long as you allow it. Don’t let minor disagreements escalate into high drama,
which would cast a pall over your otherwise fabulous month. You are experiencing
good health, but it can’t hurt to find ways improve the quality of your physical body.
Your Chinese symbol: Ox. (Fixed Element Water): People born in the Year of the
Ox are dependable, patient, calm, methodical, hardworking, ambitious, conventional,
steady, modest, and logical. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. You don’t
say a lot, but people trust you. That stubborn streak gets you in trouble, though. You’
re also narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, and demanding. You are most compatible
with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You are reminded of responsibilities (familial or financial) you have this August.
Mars in your sign keeps you on your toes, energy-wise. Ballet, anyone? September
is a strong month for focusing on your family. You crave a solid, functional home
base to pursue moneymaking activities. The Full Moon on September 4th brings you
a surge of ambition.
Let’s tip our hats to Gemini musician Les Paul (June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009),
who pioneered the electric guitar sound that we now associate with rock and roll.
Your Chinese symbol: Rat. (Fixed Element Water) There are many legends to
explain the beginning of the zodiac. One of the most popular stories is:
“The rat was given the task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for
a banquet to be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat,
but the rat tricked him into believing that the banquet was the next day. The cat slept
through the banquet, thinking that it was the next day. When he found out, the cat
vowed to be the rat's natural enemy for ages to come.”
People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attractiveness.
You work hard to achieve your goals, acquire possessions, and you may be a
perfectionist. Rat people love to gossip. You are charismatic, industrious, eloquent,
sociable, tenacious, and shrewd. You can also be manipulative, vindictive, critical,
and intolerant. You are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon,
Monkey, and Ox.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
This year may be giving you challenges and difficult situations, but you will get
relief soon. Though it is not part of your usual plan, you may find that being
assertive and bold will allow you to achieve unforeseen success. You don’t usually
take risks, but you may benefit from doing so. September will be an excellent month
to make major changes, especially if it will lead you to utilize your social skills and
your abilities to relate to people on a personal level. Get a flu shot to avoid any
setbacks due to illness!
Your Chinese symbol: Rabbit. (Cat in Vietnam, Fixed Element Wood): People
born in the Year of the Rabbit are gracious, good friends, sensitive, soft-spoken,
amiable, elegant, artistic, thorough, tender, astute, compassionate, virtuous,
reserved, and have excellent taste. You can also be moody, detached, superficial,
and self-indulgent. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially
lucky. You enjoy gossip but are usually tactful and kindhearted. Rabbit people
seldom lose their temper. You are conscientious and rarely back out of a contract or
obligation. Cautious as you are, you don’t gamble much, but when you do, you have
a gift of choosing the winner. You are most compatible with those born in the years
of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
In Chinese folklore, horoscopes have developed around the animal signs, much
like monthly horoscopes in the West have been developed for the different moon
signs. For example, a Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the Year
of the Dragon would be "healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and
stubborn." Chinese people consider these horoscopes as solely an amusement.
Your Chinese symbol: Dragon. (Snail in Kazakhstan - Fixed Element Wood): You
are brave, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified,
fiery, decisive, pioneering, ambitious, generous, and loyal. You can also be tactless,
arrogant, tyrannical, demanding, dogmatic, impetuous, and brash. You are
compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Aug 22 brings the Sun to Virgo, so step into the wider world to get the fresh air of
broad opinions or experience. The last week is power packed as Mercury moves
through Libra and Mars through Cancer. You'll take on the world or the world will
take you on, bringing a battle to be fought or a situation to be navigated. Get your
boxing gloves, some garlic, and The Art of War (the Chinese military treatise) ready!
Your Chinese symbol: Rooster. (Fixed Element Metal): People born in the Year
of the Rooster are talented, tidy, meticulous, organized, decisive, conservative,
critical, perfectionistic, practical, scientific, responsible, puritanical, egotistical,
abrasive, opinionated, and deep thinkers. You are hard on yourself if you think you’
ve failed. Roosters may have a difficult time communicating with others. You always
think you are right and sometimes you are! Rooster people may be loners, and
though you pretend to be adventurous, your nerves take over. You are most
compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You may be puzzling over the meaning of life. The word “swag” may have a larger
meaning to you right now than it ever has.
Your Chinese symbol: Dog (Fixed Element Metal): People born in the Year of
the Dog possess the traits of honesty, intelligence, loyalty, a sense of justice and fair
play, and are usually amicable, sociable, idealistic, moralistic, practical and
affectionate. You can also be lazy, dispassionate and quarrelsome. You are not after
wealth, but you often seem to have money! Dog people make good leaders. You are
most compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Affairs have a connection with education or travel. In late August, Venus moves
into your career zone, which may also mean you love your work or your co-worker
has a crush on you, or a new client will become the love of your life!
This September you will gain experience and possibly lay a solid foundation for
years to come. You will have to be resourceful and rely on your boldness and quick
wit to ascertain what is going on behind closed doors.
Your Chinese symbol: Tiger. (Fixed Element Wood): Tiger people are
unpredictable, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating,
sincere, capable of great sympathy, humanitarian, and generous. You can also be
restless, overly emotional, reckless, and quick-tempered. Sometimes Tiger people
clash with older people or authority figures. You are suspicious of others, yet others
respect you. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Chinese philosopher Confucius say “A man who has committed a mistake and
doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake.” This August gives the chance to
remedy a past wrong you either perpetrated or witnessed and didn’t act on.
Your Chinese symbol: Horse. (Fixed Element Fire): People born in the Year of
the Horse are popular, cheerful, quick-witted, independent, earthy, perceptive, agile
- mentally and physically, magnetic, astute, flexible, and open-minded. You can also
be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, and rude. You are skillful with money,
and perceptive, but sometimes you talk too damn much. You are good with your
hands, and may have a weakness for sex. You are impatient and hot-blooded about
everything except what you consider your work. You like entertainment, and hate
getting advice. You are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
On August 11th, 2009, a German court sentenced a former Nazi army commander
to life in prison for his role in the murder of 10 Italians during the Holocaust. I point
this out to encourage you to stand up for what is right. Don’t look the other way when
bad things are happening to innocent people.
Your Chinese symbol: Snake. (Fixed Element Fire): People born in the Year of
the Snake are deep. You are a thinker; wise, mystic, soft-spoken, creative, prudent,
ambitious, cautious, responsible, strong, and purposeful. You can be a loner, a poor
communicator, possessive, self-doubting, mendacious, or suffocating. You never
have to worry about money. Snake people are often quite vain and stingy, yet you
have sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Snakes have the
motto “If you want it done right, do it yourself!” Although calm on the surface, you are
intense and passionate. You are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
During late August The Sun moves through your relationship zone, which may
bring new people into your life. The Sun has basically moved as far away from your
sign as possible. This means a period of objectivity. Any illusions you may be under
will disappear! Seeing both sides of the equation will be key. You may discover who
is supportive of your career and who is not, which will be useful for public endeavors.
You may also find yourself in the middle of fighting friends. Aquarius the
peacemaker?!?
Your Chinese symbol: Pig. (Wild boar in Japan and Elephant in Northern
Thailand - Fixed Element Water): People born in the Year of the Pig are gallant,
sturdy, sociable, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, thoughtful, scrupulous,
passionate, intelligent. You can be naive, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, and
fatalistic. Whatever you do, you do with all your might. You don't make many friends
but they make them for life, and anyone having a Pig Year friend is fortunate for they
are extremely loyal. You are generally well informed and enjoy a healthy debate of
politics. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Pigs will try to work them out, if
sometimes impulsively. You are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
This August you’ll have a tendency to spend more time with friends and possibly
become influenced by friends to an unhealthy degree. A focus on discipline in all
areas will be necessary. Parents and pet owners will find that setting boundaries is
the best way to rear healthy kids and pets. It’s also important to get everybody in
the household and extended family to use the same set of rules!
Your Chinese symbol: Ram (or Sheep, or Goat in Vietnam -Fixed Element Fire):
People born in the Year of Ram are artistic, caring, sensitive, sincere, mild-
mannered, imaginative, understanding, fashionable, and peaceful. Sheep people
may also be shy, weak-willed, indecisive, passive, or worry and complain a lot. You
are well spoken and can support your opinions. You’d be perfectly happy
daydreaming all day long. You are comfortable in your own mind (which others may
perceive as you being aloof). Sheep people need freedom, and need to feel loved.
Sheep tend not to be very well organized, and do better in fields of creativity rather
than in office settings.
Rams are usually very spiritual, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible
with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.
August 6 - 19
***What’s your Weather? ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
You Rams are about a subtle as a falling anvil and you love explaining yourself to
anyone who will listen. You don’t waste no time beating around the bush. Your
anxiety level is so intense that it makes you quit a project for fear of failure. Then
you start something new and do the whole cycle over again!
This August, parent/child dynamics may be stressful. Key relationships need
private time for evaluation: let others resolve their own emotional blocks. You have
vibrant and exciting ideas, and you will meet someone enticing, but if you are hoping
for commitment, this is not likely in the stars.
Your weather: Snow! From flurries to showers to squalls (brief but intense snow
showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds), snow is a visual signal to you of
innocence, re-birth, and starting fresh.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Bulls are so stubborn - there’s no stopping you once you’ve made up your mind.
Watch out that it doesn’t take you so long to make your mind up that the opportunity
is lost or ancient history. You are also seriously possessive. No one better touch
your stuff if they know what’s good for them! You don’t take any risks in life. You are
slow to change and prefer a steady routine.
Early this month, ongoing romantic or family discussions may sap your energy.
Issues may involve past disappointments or differences of opinion over property.
Your practical outlook will be helpful. Listen to your inner self. It is telling you that
despite any upsets you may have suffered recently, things are much better than
they seem. Sometimes a little adrenaline is needed to light fires under people who’ve
been stuck in a rut!
Your weather: Cloudy and gray. Your workhorse spirit enjoys the challenge of
working hard all day despite gloomy conditions. It gives you something to boast and
be proud about. A cloud is tiny droplets of water or ice crystals collected together. All
air contains water, but near the ground, it is usually in the form of an invisible gas
called water vapor. When warm air rises, it expands and cools. Cool air can't hold as
much water vapor as warm air, so some of the vapor condenses onto tiny pieces of
dust that are floating in the air, and forms a tiny droplet around each dust particle.
When billions of these droplets come together, they become a visible cloud.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Fickle and flighty, you Geminis are always looking for the best deal for yourselves,
even if it means not-so-kosher ways of attaining it. Social invitations and romantic
flirtations will be emotionally charged this August. Accept new overtures of affection:
this is a positive time for deepening your emotional connections in life. A recent
period of self-reflection will soon end.
Your weather: Cool in the shade; warm in the sun.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Crab is a perfect image for you guys. You are crabby by nature and cast a pall
over any festive gathering with your malcontent. Your moodiness is just a shell
surrounding your real, unhinged mental state. Luckily for those us who steer clear of
Crabs, you usually save the worst neurotic behavior for your loved ones. Close
friendships may be confusing or strained over the month of August. Controversies
may be social triangles, subtle family relations or power struggles. Don't take a bone
of contention to heart. Your best bet is to express support. Business is promising this
month, but inconsistent: be able to provide detailed paperwork and records.
Your weather: Foggy. This gives you a good excuse to stay snug and cozy at
home.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leos - your egotism puts you at risk for being brainwashed by false flattery. This,
combined with your eloquence of speech, can lead you to become a spokesperson
for schemers and thieves. A lack of objectivity is a potential problem, as well as
excessive pride. The writer Al Aronowitz said, "August is the month when wars start."
August was named after the first Roman emperor Augustus, who was a ruthless
general! Leo energy can cause hotheadedness, as the King of the Beasts seeks
attention and power.
August is historically a month of crises, coups, bombings and revolutions.
The infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud broke out in August 1882. In August 1917, there
was a race riot in Houston. In August 1919, there was a race riot in Chicago. In
August 1931, the Chicago Rent Strike riot broke out. Both the first and second world
wars began in August. The first atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki in August 1945. In August 1964, there was a race riot in Jersey City. The
Watts Riot in LA in 1965. On August 23, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Russia invaded
Georgia last August. Do people get more aggressive in August, or does being on
vacation distract us all and give the power mongers a prime opportunity to strike out?
Long-term family or social disruptions are now ending. Early this month a close
relative, friend or partner may finally resolve his or her hang-up or unwelcome quirk.
Noteworthy Leo: Lucille Ball, born August 6th, 1911. I’m sure you have your own
favorite Lucy memory, but mine is the episode where Ricky forbids her to be in his
show, so she sneaks in and ruins the performance at The Tropicana. Ricky ended
up mad at her but laughing with her at the same time. Happy Birthday on August 7th
to Garrison Keillor, who said “I think the most un-American thing you can say is, “you
can’t say that.”
Your weather: Heatwave! Hazy, hot and humid is up your alley, lions.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos, you are cheap! You re-gift; never pick up the tab, cut the toothpaste tube
open to scrape out the last little bit, and you love a yard sale! You’re fastidious to
the point of OCD, man.
Some Virgos, especially those born in late August, may experience a return of old
jobs or business agreements. Through mid-August, friendships and love interests
require diplomacy. Now is the time when roles will be defined.
Your weather: 72 degrees and sunny. Yes, this sounds more like Santa Barbara
than Portland, but we do get a few of these days. Virgos live in anticipation of the
good times - organizing and planning ahead for what’s around the bend. You want to
be ready with full force enjoyment of the perfect sunny day!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras, you bemoan that you aren’t appreciated. Many of you, however, are lazy
and would just as soon take credit for work you didn’t do. You are charming, but may
milk it and take advantage of others. Your sign is the only one with a non-human
symbol (the scales). I’m not implying that you’re a robot, but you’re no Pisces! This
August, you’ll come across an unusual work of art, or piece of technology that you’ll
want to acquire. Expect friends or co-workers to make last minute changes in plans.
You may get spur-of-the-moment visitors, so it wouldn’t hurt to stock up on food and
toilet paper. Look for fruitful meetings with potential clients, benefactors, or lovers.
Your weather: Brisk fall weather, where you smell the air becoming fresh and feel
the leaves crackling.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios, you send shivers down the spines of other signs, and you deserve every
ounce of the stereotype you have. Shrewd, scummy, dastardly, jealous, secretive,
temperamental, spiteful and bitter, your complex personality is impenetrable to most
folk.
The lunar eclipse of August 5th will be a hot one for you Scorps. Seething
resentment, eruptions of temper, and perceived crises will threaten your state of
mind.
Over the next few weeks a co -worker may quit or ditch an important project. You
will need to redefine your role. Try to stay patient: progress returns by September.
Eat some ice chips.
Your weather: Thunderstorms! Lightning is awesome and also vicious. It is
massive, beautiful, and deadly.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Archers, you are noncommittal, no-nonsense and a loudmouth. It’s said that
Sagittarians look like horses, but which end is the question.
Part of you needs to come out of hiding. It may be a light under a bushel, a secret
talent, or a question you've been trying to ignore that is now an elephant in the
room. What do you think it is?
The Full Moon lunar eclipse of August 5th is a positive note for those born around
December 5th, in terms of an intellectual wake-up call, and maybe a new direction
related to overseas or academic issues. Family and home commitments will play a
role. If you have a friend who is stressed out, do something. A sport, shared hobby,
or a party could make the connection for some desperately needed bonding.
Your weather: Hail, freezing rain, and ice! Ice storms are often to blame for
multiple deaths due to the loss of power. Ice storms can accompany other types of
winter precipitation. Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the
ground is sleet. Accumulation can cause road conditions to become hazardous.
When precipitation comes down in temperatures below freezing, the liquid
becomes solid ice. Surfaces such as trees, cars, and roads get a coating or glaze of
ice that accumulates on the surface. This causes danger, due to the slippery
conditions. The safest place to walk in an ice storm is along the gutters.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns, you are pessimistic folks who couldn’t have a good time even if you
were being paid to. You do well in scheming corporate politics because you’ll do
anything get ahead. Most of you are lonely souls, and are just waiting for a Jimmy
Stewart character to come along and help you see what’s right.
Saturn, your ruling planet, is ensuring you remain grounded and dutiful, especially
in connection to study and business. Your boss, teacher, or partners may give you
lame excuses, vague assignments, or simply be MIA. Stay patient. Those people
need to figure out personal and professional issues on their own. You will prove to
be invaluable for someone this month.
Your weather: Winter weather! Ever wondered the difference between a blizzard
and a nor’easter? With winds over 35 mph, blizzards are hazardous winter storms.
Visibility is often near zero. Characterized by low temperatures (usually below 20
degrees Fahrenheit), blizzards spew snow, reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less.
Nor'easters are worse! A nor'easter gets its name from its continuously strong
northeasterly winds blowing in from the ocean ahead of the storm and over coastal
areas. They are areas of low pressure that often form either in the Gulf of Mexico or
off the East Coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Nor'easters produce heavy snow, rain, and
huge waves that crash onto Atlantic beaches, causing beach erosion and structural
damage. Wind gusts can exceed hurricane force in intensity!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians are supposedly humanitarians who love pitching in for common good.
You may appreciate the anonymity of working for charity, because in real life, you
are unemotional, aloof, unreachable, extremely eccentric, and downright rude. You
don’t seek out relationships, and resent any infringement on your personal space or
time. You lack any ability to compromise or be part of a cohesive group.
This August, you might feel perfectly content. You may have broken free from the
obsession to acquire more stuff. An epiphany will strike - that you don't need as
much as you thought you did in order to be happy. The lunar eclipse of the 5th-6th
is in your sign, and will be a time where there are major wake-up calls and possibly
the end of chapters that have to be closed.
Beware friends and co-workers who currently feel compelled to express their ideas,
gripes or inspirations. Expect some intrusions from higher-ups, but there could be
rewards for delaying your own comfort in order to mollify others.
Your weather: Windy! Wind is air in motion. Warm air, which weighs less than cold
air, rises. Then cool air moves in and replaces the rising warm air. This movement of
air is what makes the wind blow.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces, you are fickle, gossipy, impractical, gullible, and distractible. You are prone
to depression, and no wonder, considering how you interact with others. You can be
so sensitive and emotional, you are a real drain on people. In business you are
unreliable, idle, careless, and ineffective. You can be misled easily because you
want to believe the best in people.
Psychologist James Hillman, in his book Thought of the Heart and the Soul of the
World, writes "The question of evil refers primarily to the anaesthetized heart; the
heart that has no reaction to what it faces, thereby turning the variegated sensuous
face of the world into monotony…” How do you rage against this kind of evil in
yourself, Pisces? "Keep exploring what it takes to be the opposite of who you are,"
suggests psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Creativity: Flow and the
Psychology of Discovery and Invention. How would you go about being the opposite
of who you are? Open yourself fully to the unpredictable, ever-shifting ugliness you
encounter. You may be spending a lot of time on the telephone, that’s another
possibility.
Your weather: Rain! From Drizzle to Heavy Downpours, rain renews the earth and
makes you feel purified and relaxed.
July 22 - August 5
***Mirabilia (Small Bits of Wondrous
Phenomena)***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Pretend I’m Geppetto and you’re Pinocchio and I’m warning you to stay away from
fast-talking strangers. Be alert for scams. They could come in the guise of a child, a
cute animal, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Use common sense and ask lots of
questions when discerning who to trust. Look for a new romance around the August
5th Lunar Eclipse.
Mirabilia: From the "Book of Ancient Records": The naturalist Pliny reports the
case of some conserved beans that were forgotten in the cellar and retained their
taste for 220 years.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Plan a vacation, a new hobby, or a new program of study. Stars are not favorable
to make large investments or expenditures at this time. Check your receipts and
bank statements for errors, and use extra caution to protect your valuables.
Mirabilia: Even the Ancient Greeks kept records of top achievements in the areas
of sports, nature and anatomy, according to the book. The most resilient runner
covered 238 kilometers (176 miles) in a day. A soldier from Alexander's army drank
13.5 liters (3.6 gallons) of wine during a drinking competition -- and then fell over
dead.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You may feel like annoying people are persecuting you. There may be a grain of
truth to that, but there is also a large discrepancy between reality and your
perspective. Use the powerful energy sparked by the August 5th Lunar eclipse and
full moon in Aquarius to focus your gray cells on a complex project that will further
your career.
Mirabilia: A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet
the size of a tennis court!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
I recently learned the true story behind “presumed” axe-murderer Lizzie Borden,
born July 19, 1860. True to her Cancerian nature, she remained in Fall River her
entire life, though she ventured out to socialize with some of New England’s glitterati,
including actress Nance O'Neil, Boston author and philanthropist Annie Fields, and
Sarah Orne Jewett.
Lizzie’s will left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Rescue League. Now for your
horoscope…
You may suffer some insomnia this August, Crabs. You can blame it on the fiery
Mars energy swirling around, as well as your sensitivity to the emotions of others
who are also feeling Mars’ heat. Tips to beat insomnia: Herbal teas like Passion
Flower, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile. Keep the room cool, comfortable, quiet, and
dark and free of clutter and distractions. No alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco at night.
Write down things you are worried about, or a "to do" list. Have a warm bath, rub
lavender oil firmly on your feet, and then put on socks you’ve heated in the
microwave. Imagine yourself in a peaceful landscape. Focus on the details of being
there.
Mirabilia: The cigarette lighter was invented before the match! It was brass and
stone, weighed 11 pounds and took 3 people to ignite it, but it was way easier than
waiting for lightning to strike the end of your cigarette.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Your summer is one big party, Leos. As you are yukking it up, keep your eye out
for business opportunities. You will wind up making more money by summer’s end if
you can pinpoint which partygoers have the power. This summer, read “New
Mainers: Portraits of Our Immigrant Neighbors” This new volume profiles dozens of
immigrants who have made their new homes in Maine. They talk about their
homelands, the forces that brought them to our state, and the new lives they've
created here. Available at Longfellow Books.
Mirabilia: It takes glass one million years to decompose, which means it never
wears out and can be recycled an infinite amount of times!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The end of July will see you at the top of the totem pole, Virgos. You’ll be able to
win friends and influence people! Your way with words will have people trusting
everything you say. Take full advantage of this time to shine, though. You’ll be back
to your ho-hum, number-punching, brown-bag lunching self by October.
Mirabilia: The Bocca della Verita. This medieval lie detector (it would supposedly
bite the arm off liars) is a marble statue of a man-like face, located in the church of
Santa Maria. Starting from the Middle Ages, it was believed that if one told a lie with
one's hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. This is a stop on the
Mirabilia Urbis Walking Tours, ("The Marvels of the City") -- "the City" is Rome, of
course!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
A bunch of planets passing through Gemini may trigger a burst of curiosity and the
desire to pack your bags and see new places. Choose plans that include people -
you’ll have a better time with company along.
Mirabilia: The most popular first name in the world is Muhammad!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
An obsession with duty can consume you workaholic Scorps. What items on your
agenda are not imperative? Putting those aside allows you to still have time left over
to see to your own health and happiness. If you find that your down time is
interrupted by pesky thoughts of tasks you need to do, try organizing them in list
form under order of importance. Acknowledge the obligations that you can’t get to
today, and then congratulate yourself for all of the things you did do.
Mirabilia: The Nobel Peace Prize medal depicts three naked men with their hands
on each other's shoulders!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
End of July brings you ease with your finances. Anything relating to banking,
insurance, or investments will be a breeze in the last few weeks of August. Don’t
question why - sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. One more thing: Venus moving
through Cancer in July raises the possibility that your romance is with someone you
were connected to in a past life.
Mirabilia: The Seven (manmade) Wonders of the Industrial World -
*SS Great Eastern Steam Ship
*Bell Rock Lighthouse
*Brooklyn Bridge
*London Sewerage System
*First Transcontinental Railroad
*Panama Canal
*Hoover Dam
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Does your sense of security rest on your bank balance? Let’s hope not, but if it
does, the lunar eclipse on August 5th may nudge you toward relaxing that emotional
grip. You may find that changing your interaction with your finances actually yields a
positive result!
Mirabilia: More people are killed annually by donkeys than by plane crashes.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
On July 31st, Mars will be in Gemini, which creates a flirtatious energy in the air,
and Venus will enter Cancer, setting the stage for a hot date or an office fling.
Mirabilia: A trio of animal facts!
1.A snail can sleep for three years.
2. The placement of a donkey's eyes in its head enables it to see all four feet at all
times.
3. Camels have three eyelids to protect them from blowing sand.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Look forward to a high frequency August, Pisces! Expect positive emotional
responses to happy news at the start of the month! You are also entering into the
most romantic time of the year, so your current love life will deepen.
Mirabilia: The relatively tiny Dubai, with a population of about 1.4 million, will be
home to the first luxury underwater hotel. It’s called The Hydropolis Hotel, and is in
the capital city of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. The ballroom has
asymmetrical pathways connecting the different stories along ramps. A large, petal-
like retracting roof enables open-sky events. In order to enter this surreal space,
visitors will begin at the land station. The upper stories of the land station offer a
cosmetic surgery clinic and a marine biological research laboratory. The land station
also has a restaurant and cinema showing underwater life.
As a finale, the screen will open to reveal the Hydropolis. Passengers board a
noiseless train propelled by fully automated cables along a modular, self-supporting
steel guide way to Hydropolis.
The $500-million hotel is scheduled to open sometime this year, and will charge
$5,500 for a night's lodging.
June 25 - July 8
*** “I Do” ***
(In honor of Councilor Kevin Donoghue’s July 4th wedding to
Krista Mitschele, the following horoscope is presented.)
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your vibe will help you get closer to those you’re interested in, without words getting
in the way. Your desires may pull you in different directions. If so, focus on the
consistency of your daily routine to keep you grounded.
Wedding idea: The guest list. Start by making the most exhaustive list you can. List
everyone you’d ever consider inviting to your wedding. College roommates, co-
workers, distant cousins — get them all on paper. If you don’t want exes coming, now
is the time to lay ground rules. Now eliminate half the list. Make a non-negotiable list.
This is the short list of people that you definitely want at your wedding. If the parents
have a guest-list of their own, this could throw a wrench in your plans. Tell the
parents they can’t invite anyone that you haven’t seen in the last year. What about
co-workers who may all know about the wedding? The kindest thing to do is to invite
everyone rather than single out just one or two coworkers. On the fence about
someone? Err on the side of being inclusive, but ask yourself if the potential guest
has enhanced your life. If you need to cut your list further, make sure you let your
guests know that they can’t bring a “plus one”. Other potential cuts would be heavy
boozers (they’d up your tab, anyway); business acquaintances; those who one of
you is estranged from, and children.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
If you are a type-A personality, personal issues may distract you right now.
Experimenting with alternatives in your work and personal life shows that you are
confident enough in yourself to step outside the norm. The Lunar Eclipse on July 7th
may illuminate what isn’t working for you. Consider dropping something, in order to
focus on what is working.
Wedding idea: The color scheme and the decorations.
For a summer wedding, set out containers of little hand-held, battery-run fans, or
pretty paper fans for guests to cool themselves with. Consider putting a spray bottle
of high-SPF sunscreen at each table as well. Serve ice water with pretty slices of
lemon, lime or orange. For a romantic, out-of-this-world wedding, try a celestial
theme! Look to the heavens when deciding your color choices. Consider black, blue,
yellow, gold, white and silver. Your wedding invitations can indicate to your guests
what theme you have chosen. Sprinkle metallic confetti in shapes of stars, moons
and planets inside the envelopes before mailing. Decorate your venue with glittery
tulle and white twinkle lights. Hang sparkly stars from the ceiling. Use navy blue or
black tablecloths and sprinkle metallic confetti on top.
Then place silver or gold glittery tulle on top of the tablecloth. Put place cards on
the tables with names of constellations or planets. Create celestial centerpieces from
different-sized pillar candles, attaching star-shaped pins to the candles. Group the
candles together on a mirror (round or star-shaped), and place glittery tulle around
the grouping. Finish off the centerpiece with flat, colored marbles, metallic confetti,
or star garland around the tulle. Inspiration from www.theamericanwedding.com
Are you getting married in a pile of rubble? Consider a Grecian wedding theme with
fig leaves, floating chiffon, urns and broken pottery vases. You can get the Grecian
look by wearing a series of soft overlapping, gauzy layers. Try a halter neckline, an
off-the-shoulder neckline, softly ruched or pleated v-necks, a sashed waist and a
very long length. Put candles in Grecian urns or in a small birdbath. Decorate with
fresh or fake fruit and either fresh or garlands of silk grape leaves.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Your mental flightiness is stimulated when magnetic Venus enters Gemini on July
5th. You’re ready to leap out into the unknown without any hesitation, aren’t you?
The Capricorn Full Moon on July 7th will inject a dose of realism into your
bloodstream. This won’t slow you down, but may steer you back on the path toward
meaningful life work. Happy Birthday to Slim Pickens, June 29, 1919. Slim was an
actor and rodeo performer, who embodies the tough cowboy. He may be best known
for his comic roles in films such as Blazing Saddles and Dr. Strangelove.
Wedding idea: Flowers. Join homedepotgardenclub.com to learn about local and in-
season flowers and greenery to use in your wedding floral decor. Alternate large and
small floral centerpieces between each of your guest tables for a lovely look, and
save some money on the large ones. On bouquets: Spend less for floral tape at the
craft store rather than buying floral wire, which can cut into your flowers when
wrapped too tightly.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Mischievous Mercury aligns your intellect and your goals in life this July. This
involves you communicating more clearly. Celebrate the 190th anniversary of the
bicycle, which was patented on June 26th, 1819.
Wedding idea: Photographers. Your humble astrologer priced wedding
photographers in Portland, and found that they charge in the thousands! Should
that be cost-prohibitive, try bartering with a photographer friend. See if you can
trade photography for a service you might provide (you’ll baby-sit their kids or fix
their computer). Don’t know any photogs? Check with artist’s collectives such as SEA
(Society of East End Artists) www.seaportland.org; The Constellation Art Gallery at
511 Congress Street. www.constellationart.com; The Sylvia Kania Gallery at 148
High Street, a Cooperative Gallery Representing over 20 Artists; or The Salt Institute
at 561 Congress Street www.salt.edu.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Your hard work this year will bring you rewards. You may need to endure some
disappointment before getting there. Avoid discouragement by remembering that if
life were all smooth sailing, it would be a big bore!
Let’s pay a tribute to one of the greatest TV shows of all time, "Seinfeld", which
premiered July 5, 1989. Lasting nine seasons, the nihilistic philosophy within the
show hit our collective funny bones. Larry David, one of the show's producers, used
to say: "No hugging, no learning.” This is exemplified in the episode “The Secret
Code” where Kramer says to Jerry, "Well, the important thing is, you learned
something," and Jerry counters, "No I didn't."
Wedding idea: Party favors. How about a silver ice cream scoop with “Scoop of
Love” engraved on it and your initials? Or, how about personalized wedding fans?
Check the crafts-for-sale website etsy.com to find creative guest books, unity
candles, jewelry and more from talented artists. Charitable favors are popular now,
too. Visit heifer.org and idofoundation.org to see what you can purchase for $5 per
guest.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
A Full Moon Eclipse on July 7th may find discipline failing, rules broken, and plans
interrupted. On the bright side, a shakeup of your routine may be just what the
doctor ordered!
Wedding idea: RSVP’ing
You may have guests who will neglect to write in their names in their response
cards, or who write illegibly. Think ahead by numbering your guest list, then
inconspicuously writing the corresponding number on the back of each response
card. Also, include an easy way for guests to reply by pre-addressing and stamping
a return envelope. Don’t have e-mail be the primary response method, as e-mails
are too easily lost or ignored.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Your good judgment should outweigh the hurt feelings you may be experiencing. “It’s
not personal” should be your motto in early July.
Wedding idea: The Dress! For a summer wedding, choose a gown made of lighter
fabric, such as cotton organdy, chiffon, crepe, or voile over silk. Choose a tuxedo
fabric that also breathes for the men, and select open-backed vests for the men’s
comfort as well. Choose the right shoes. For comfort, in addition to style, try thick
heels that won’t sink into soft summertime grass. If your ceremony and reception will
be outside, forgo the long train that may get grass stains, sand, or mud on it.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You are feeling super-generous, which is great. Just make sure you can afford to
give away what you’re giving before you end up in a cardboard box down on Wharf
Street. Unless, of course, that’s what you want.
Wedding idea: Honeymoon: Head for the Rocky Mountains. A few miles southwest
of Durango, in Hesperus, Colorado, there's a bed and breakfast called Blue Lake
Ranch. It’s a private spot with purple mountains in the background and bright tulips
everywhere. You can visit Mesa Verde National Park and have green chile corn
bread for breakfast! Another earthy suggestion is the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort,
an eco-safari retreat near the seaside village of Tofino, British Colombia. It offers
small to medium-size weddings. The resort offers large canvas tents, luxurious spa
treatments and four-star dining. Their Eco Package includes: Vancouver-Outpost
return floatplane fare, horse drawn wagon shuttle, outpost accommodations, all
gourmet meals, snacks, alcohol, unguided activities (kayaking, canoeing, hiking,
mountain biking, fishing), and guided activities (horseback riding, ocean and/or fresh
water fishing, whale and bear watching, Wild Side First Nations Interpretive Trail, Hot
Springs Cove daytrek, skeet, fly tying clinics, kayaking and canoeing, and mountain
bike riding). (Cost $4,750 for three nights in the off-season)
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Choose your battles, Archer. Giving in to someone else’s druthers isn’t always
surrendering. It is sometimes the best course in order to get your own way next time.
(i.e. lose the battle; win the war)
Wedding idea: Bridesmaids. How do you decide who will be your bridesmaids? You
want your closest friends at your side, no matter what gender they are, so if you
have men as your bridesmaids, they are called “lads of honor”, or “honor
attendants”. Your honor attendant walks in the processional alone, right before you
make your entrance. In the recessional, he walks next to the best man. If you have to
tell a friend that they won’t be in the wedding party, do it sooner rather than later. Be
honest about your situation. Let the person know that you couldn't ask everyone you
wanted, but you've got another special role all lined up for him or her. Then invent a
job, like ushering, reading a special poem, or sprinkling glitter everywhere.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
No over-committing yourself this July! Maintain the harmony in your relationships by
bending in the wind of conflict. If you can compromise, you may not get exactly what
you want, but at least you’ll be partially satisfied. The more agreeable you are, the
easier it will be to understand the position of those who disagree with you.
Wedding idea: Cake.
"The flavor of the cake should be as good as any dessert you'd serve to guests,"
says Narcisa Vieira-Castillo of Cakes Unique.. "Do not compromise taste for the look
of the cake." How about carrot cake with hazelnut ganache filling and butter cream
frosting with a sea-blue, aquatic-themed confection? Statuesque seahorses and a
crown of fondant initials would add a regal look.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Expect emotional responses to issues around power: balance of power, power
struggles, or loss of power. Issues from the past may surface in relation to family,
neighbors, or work.
Wedding idea: Music! Here are some songs to get your guests grooving:
"Beautiful" by Akon for the hip-hoppers; "So What" by P!nk, to get everyone back
out on the dance floor; "Just Dance" by Lady GaGa to keep the hearts pumping, and
“Shakedown Street” by The Grateful Dead to inspire some hypnotic synergy. (Please
don’t include the Chicken Dance in the set list.)
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The lunar eclipse on July 7th will encourage all creative endeavors, especially those
involving family, neighbors, or business. Watch out for your enthusiasm to bubble up
into anger or impatience during the first week of July. Check your facts before you
speak out, because you might be jumping to conclusions.
Wedding Idea: Vows
The history of wedding vows dates back to the Middle Ages, to the Book of Common
Prayer, which was published in 1549. The Church of England would offer couples
the choice of both promising to “love and cherish” or the groom promises to “love,
cherish and worship” while the bride to “love, cherish and obey.” Here are two
examples of vows from other cultures:
Aztec Indian Wedding Poem
“I know not whether thou has been absent:
I lie down with thee, I rise up with thee,
In my dreams thou art with me.
If my eardrops tremble in my ears,
I know it is thou moving within my heart.”
Celtic Wedding Vow
by Morgan Llywelyn
“You cannon possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give
You cannot command me, for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand
I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup
I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine
I shall not slander you, nor you me
I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in private and
tell no strangers our grievances
This is my wedding vow to you
This is the marriage of equals.”
June 10 - 24
***The Supernatural***
Astrologer’s note: In honor of Rory Raven’s visit to Portland on June
13th, we present the following horoscope.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
June 12th is Independence Day in Russia. In 1990, the Russian parliament formally
declared its sovereignty, and the holiday of national unity was established. For a few
years, the day was known as "Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty
of the Russian Federation", and in 2002 it was renamed "Russia Day" (Boris Yeltsin
suggested the name). The third week of June holds creativity and romance for you,
Aries!
Explore: Voodoo. Some of the stereotypes about Voodoo have evolved out of
ancient practices. The idea that powerful or influential spirits can affect people
comes from two forms of Voodoo. One harkens from the western African coast. The
other is practiced in Haiti, as well as in parts of North and South America.
Voodoo is an oral tradition containing multiple gods and spiritual possession.
Voodoo may include:
Rituals or objects used to convey magical protection
The use of fetishes, or objects meant to contain the essence or power of particular
spirits
Ceremonial dances, which often involve elaborate costumes, masks, and music,
especially drums
Divination using the interpretation of physical activities, like tossing seed hulls or
pulling a stone of a certain color from a tree.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The Summer Solstice on June 21st indicates a great romantic and prosperous
period for you. Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and celebrating the
Summer solstice is an ancient practice, dating back to pre-Christian times. Originally
a fertility festival associated with nature and with the hope for a good harvest the
coming fall/autumn, Midsummer is still a popular festival in Scandinavia. In Sweden, it’
s even a national holiday, where they decorate with wreaths and flowers, and dance
around the midsummer pole while playing folk songs. Midsummer’s magical allure
also includes foretelling the future, especially in the romantic realm!
The Danish celebrate “Sankt Hans aften” (St. John's Eve) on the eve of June 23rd.
They sing "We Love Our Land" and burn straw witches on bonfires. This is done in
Denmark in memory of the Church's witch burnings of the 16th and 17th century.
This ritual sends the witches to Bloksbjerg, a mountain in Germany where the great
witch gathering was thought to be held. Scandinavian Midsummer traditions have the
pagan theme of the Sun overpowering darkness.
Explore: Native American Spirit Guides and Protector spirits. In Norse mythology, at
birth every human is given a spirit called Fylgia, which follows him or her throughout
his/her life. Fylgia usually appear during sleep (often as an animal), but if it appears
while a person is awake, it may be an omen of one's death. If it appears in the form
of women, then it is a guardian spirit! Some Native American legends believe we
choose spirit guides at birth to help us through the trials we will face in life. Spirit
guides may be our ancestors, watching over us, lending wisdom and protection when
we need it. They may also be animals, the characteristics of which are qualities that
we possess or that we need to learn from in our lives. Which one do you think is your
animal guide?
Bear – Bear is the part of the self that needs to retreat into its own space, hibernate
and heal itself. Bear totem is comforting and protective. Bear is a common animal
spirit for mothers.
Butterfly –Butterfly stands for our ability to accept the beauty of growth and change
in our lives.
Coyote – Coyote is the trickster totem. He creates confusion, self-sabotage, humor,
and grandiose ideas.
Eagle – Eagle is a profoundly spiritual animal totem, representing wisdom.
Hawk – Hawk is the messenger and represents perspective. People who have Hawk
as an animal are able to see an issue from all sides and avoid jumping to
conclusions.
Horse – Horse represents personal power and self-assurance.
Snake – Snake is a powerful guide for healers, and carries the ability to transform
body and mind.
Spider – In some traditions, Spider is the creator Goddess who spun the world into
being. Spider is the creative totem of artists.
Wolf – Wolf is the guide of teachers. Wolves are connected to the moon and
feminine energy. Like Dog totem, Wolf is loyal to family and people they consider
their own.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Secrets may come as a surprise to you as the planets line up erratically mid-June.
Explore: Doppelgangers - ghostly doubles of a living person. Seeing one's own
doppelganger or the doppelganger of a friend or relative is considered bad luck, in
folklore, maybe forewarning death or serious illness of the doppelganger's original.
Scientists in Switzerland discovered that electrical stimulation of the brain (used to
treat epilepsy) could cause the patient to sense their doppelganger's presence.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A New Moon in your sign on June 22nd will bring a playful energy with it. You can
spread inspiration among your friends by first encouraging others to follow their
dreams and then supporting them in their efforts. If the optimistic thoughts you share
may at first seem ineffectual, let them incubate, and check back in a few months.
The impact of even a simple compliment or kind word can be life- changing. The
enthusiasm you offer others when they share their dreams encourages them to
strive for happiness.
Explore: Ghosts and Ectoplasm. The word poltergeist comes from the German
"noisy ghost", for a spirit said to manifest itself by invisibly moving and influencing
objects. In ghost reporting statistics, a White Lady has been seen time and again,
and seems to indicate someone has died tragically or suffered trauma in life. White
Lady legends are international. In many of them, someone has lost or been betrayed
by a husband or wife. Similar to the concept of a “banshee”, when a White Lady
appears, it may forewarn that someone in the family is going to die.
Ectoplasm is a substance excreted by mediums during trances and associated with
hauntings. Ectoplasm is light-sensitive, which is why many séances are held in low
light or total darkness to better observe ectoplasmic manifestations.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Happy Summer Solstice on the 21st! Celebrate by letting one obligation go, and
feeling a bit of freedom. Your hopes and dreams are currently at the forefront of
your consciousness.
Explore: Levitation, (the movement of objects without normal means of support) can
occur using telekinesis. While inanimate objects are the most common subjects of
levitation, mediums have also been known to levitate people. Daniel Dunglas Home,
a Scottish medium, was famous in the 1800s for his feats of levitation. During one
séance, Home flew out a third story window, levitated himself outside, and entered
through a second window!
Telekinesis, sometimes referred to as Psycho-kinesis, or mind over matter, is the
ability to move or affect things with the power of the mind. Of psychic abilities,
psycho-kinesis is one of the most rare. Few have been able to demonstrate this
ability, and even those demonstrations are by the skeptics.
On a British radio show in 1973, after demonstrating key-bending, to the
astonishment of the host, psychic Uri Geller invited listeners to participate. Phone
calls then began pouring in, reporting that knives, forks, spoons, keys and nails
began to bend and twist spontaneously. Watches and clocks that had not run in
years began to work. Geller became an instant celebrity, and was later humiliated on
television and then started suing everybody.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The Sun is in Cancer for the Summer Solstice on June 21st, and the New Moon is in
Cancer on the 22nd. Cancer is the sign of emotions, family, and safety, so expect
drama, nostalgia, or intense dynamics, possibly surrounding protecting your loved
ones.
Explore: Palmistry, the art and science of reading hands. By studying both hands
(the non-dominant hand reads the past, and the dominant hand reads the present),
the link between past and present can be seen. Here are a few examples of reading
the shapes of your fingers: Pointy fingers indicate someone who is artistic and
sensitive. Square fingers suggest an honest and methodical character. Heavy
fingers show a more physical nature. Long and slim signifies more of an emotional
type. Your index finger represents your ego. If it is shorter than your ring ringer, that
denotes a low self-esteem. If your index finger leans into your thumb, you are
ambitious. If it leans toward your middle finger, you may have a depressive
tendency. As we evolve, so do the hand lines on our palms.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Your caring approach toward others can help you build a strong support system.
People find your welcoming mood enjoyable to be around, so you’ll have folks
clambering to hang out with you.
Explore: Reincarnation is the mystical idea that the “soul” survives death and is
reborn into a new being. Belief in reincarnation is an ancient phenomenon. The
Buddhist version, called “Rebirth”, attaches the concept of karma to the process.
Good karma (actions of body, speech and mind) will result in a happier rebirth; bad
karma will provide more obstacles and struggle.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Don’t play it safe…you’ll need to go through some discomfort in order to grow and
become a happier person. The New Moon in Cancer on June 22nd may stir up
nostalgia, such as childhood memories, or the longing for something you once had
but don’t anymore. You’ve been known to be a good correspondent, and have
friends from around the world. Now is a good time to reconnect.
Explore: Deja-vu - The illusion of having already experienced something actually
being experienced for the first time. Parapsychologists (those who research
paranormal activities) may attribute déjà vu as a glimpsing a past or future life. Deja-
vu is a common enough occurrence (with a higher rate reported between people
aged 15 to 25). A scientific explanation says déjà vu is related to memory. The brain
divides into 3 sections: the frontal lobes are tied to the future; the limbic system
deals with the present, and the temporal lobes are concerned with the past. If you’re
having a lot of deja-vu, get your temporal lobes a check-up.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Choose frivolity over responsibility at least once this month! Relationships that make
you feel positive should be nurtured - individuals who cause you struggle and
negative emotions can be avoided. If you see someone like that coming, slowly back
up….
Explore: UFOs. Area 51, the military base located in Nevada, is a clandestine site
designed to develop and test experimental aircraft and weapons systems. Its secrecy
has fueled conspiracy theories having to do with UFOs. The U.S. Air Force coined
the phrase “UFO” in 1952 after repeated reports of unidentified objects that expert
investigators couldn’t explain. The first report of a sighting? In 1878, The Ohio Daily
News wrote that local farmer John Martin had reported seeing a large, dark, circular
flying object resembling a balloon flying "at wonderful speed." Martin also said it
appeared to be about the size of a saucer, the first known use of the word "saucer"
in association with a UFO.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The New Moon on June22nd may be a stressful one, with emotions running high.
Deal with it two ways: 1. Take a vacation!
2. Keep an open mind, and stay flexible in seeing another’s point of view. You can
still uphold your views and ideals without clashing over the differences of others.
June 16th is Youth Day in South Africa. On June 16, 1976, student leaders in
Soweto protested the injustices of the National Party and its apartheid regime. The
police then attacked the students, and spontaneous rioting occurred throughout the
country. Today this public holiday is symbolic of the struggle against tyranny. People
commemorate the Soweto Uprising Youth from all provinces of the country through
different activities. In Sekgosese, students organized an event with drama, poetry,
dance, and speeches. The Inspector of police of Sekgosese region said they are
concerned that many young people are currently being arrested. “These days,
young people no longer fight for their rights and needs, but they fight hard to
engage themselves in criminal activities like …robbery,” he said.
Explore: Automatic Writing. When using automatic writing to communicate with
spirits, the medium generally holds a pen or pencil and allows the spirit to
communicate through their hand. Cases are on record where a foreign language,
with which the subject has no experience, is written fluently. Although Automatic
Writing has occasionally produced work beyond the scope of the writer, most of it
turns out to be gibberish or writing that is indistinguishable from a conscious state.
There are a vast amount of writings that claim to be spirit-written, including plays,
poetry, essays, novels, and music. The best known of these are the some of the
works of Goethe and Victor Hugo.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Your mental neurons are firing on all cylinders this month. Too much in the way of
facts, figures, and ideas could veer you off track, though, so stay focused. Have a
party on June 21st!
Explore: OBEs. An out-of-body experience involves a sensation of floating outside
of one's body and, in some cases, seeing oneself outside one's body. Approximately
one in ten people have reportedly had an out-of-body experience at some time in
their lives. For some, the phenomenon occurs spontaneously, while for others it is a
result of drug use, or a near death experience. Recent studies have shown that
stimulating the temporal-parietal lobe junction can induce OBEs. Some claim to see
a silver cord linking their astral form to their physical body, which is used as a means
to return to the body.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Your sleep may be erratic until around June 17th. You will get extra strength from
loved ones. End of June will bring a clearing of the path for your life’s direction.
Explore: Extrasensory Perception. A Medium is a person with a psychic ability to
communicate with a spiritual entity. Information may be attained; energies may be
channeled; a spirit may manifest, or paranormal activity may occur. Mediums are
often revealed as frauds, but there continues to be interest in the phenomenon. J.B.
Rhine, a researcher at Duke University, coined the term ESP, which includes the
psychic abilities of telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. Also sometimes called
a “sixth sense”, it’s explained away by nonbelievers as mental illness or magician’s
parlor tricks.
***A Million!!!***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your dreams around the Full Moon on June 7th will be visionary and full of
adventure. There may be some kinks to work out with your plans, though. Conserve
your energy for a long trip ahead.
The Million Dollar Bridge was a bascule (seesaw) bridge built in 1916 which carried
traffic on Route 77 over the Fore River in Maine between Portland and South
Portland. In 1993, construction began on the higher Casco Bay Bridge; the new
bridge is on a new alignment just east of the original bridge, and is also a bascule
bridge. In 1996, during construction of the Million Dollar Bridge, it was hit by the
Liberian Tankship Julie N., and emergency repairs were made. The Casco Bay
Bridge opened in 1997.
The other “Million Dollar Bridge”, aka The Miles Glacier Bridge, was built in the early
1900s fifty miles from Cordova in what is now the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a multiple-
span Pennsylvania-truss bridge which completed a railroad line for the Copper River
and Northwestern Railway, built by J. P. Morgan and the Guggenheim family to haul
copper from an old mining town to the port of Cordova. It earned its nickname
because of its cost, which was recouped by the $200 million worth of copper ore,
which was shipped as a result of its construction. Work began in the 1950s but was
halted when the bridge, and much of the highway under construction, was damaged
by the Good Friday Earthquake in 1964. The bridge was permanently repaired in
2005.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Ease into any strenuous exercise this month, Bulls. Kinetic Mars is in your sign for
the whole month of June, so you may feel more energy in your body, but if you over-
exert, you may injure yourself. Your ruling planet, Venus, is also with you from June
6 until July 5 when it enters Gemini. Venus rules the arts, wealth, material pleasures,
and physical attraction.
Million Trees LA - “ Each tree planted needs water and care for its entire life. It’s
worth the work. Over its lifetime, that tree will pay you back in lower energy bills,
higher property values, cleaner air and water.” -Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, May
2006. Mayor Villaraigosa is committed to making Los Angeles the largest, cleanest,
and greenest city in the United States. The Million Trees L.A. (MTLA) Initiative will
accomplish this through public-private partnerships that will plant one million trees
throughout Los Angeles.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
A miasma is gathering around you, Twins. Have you set unrealistic goals for
yourself? Confront obstacles with a “glass half-full” mentality, as this will help you
see things more clearly. This month, metaphysical queries will evoke emotional
responses.
Million Mom March - What began as one of the largest marches on Washington is
now a national network that works locally, and together, in their fight against gun
violence. As part of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Million Mom
March Chapters believe that
-Americans have the right to be safe from gun violence
-Children have the right to grow up in environments free from the threat of gun
violence
-Gun violence is a public health crisis that harms not only the physical, but also the
spiritual, social, and economic health of our families and communities.
-The availability and lethality of guns make death or severe injury more likely in
domestic violence, criminal activity, suicide attempts, and unintentional shootings.
-It is possible to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by gun violence
with reasonable, common sense policy.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Sagittarius Full Moon on June 7th encourages risk-taking in your life. Are you
feeling charitable? Make sure your philanthropic ventures are agreed on by all those
affected (i.e., run it by your girlfriend, husband, or boss first.)
Sittin’ on a Million: The Sometimes True Story of Mame Faye, who ran a famous
house of prostitution in Troy, New York for almost forty years (c. 1906 to 1941).
Sittin’ on a Million (2008, 26 minutes) presents this story, alongside vintage erotica,
reenactments, and street performances. “The film asks us to consider the role of
memory and imagination in creating history, and reminds us about all those ordinary,
extraordinary people erased from the official record. Sittin' on a Million won the "Most
Badass" award at the 2009 Iowa City Documentary Film Festival.” www.mamefaye.
com
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Sudden reserves of energy will enable you to succeed against all odds. The Full
Moon in Sagittarius on June 7th will empower you to either move on after a
disappointment, or create a new plan of adventure for yourself.
How to Steal a Million - 1966 Romantic comedy with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’
Toole about a woman who must steal a statue from a Paris museum to help conceal
her father's art forgeries, and the man who helps her. “S-S-S-H-H-H-H-H - Meet a
couple of smart operators who give a lesson in love and larceny.”
Million Dollar Baby - 2004 movie that won Best Director for Clint Eastwood, Best
Supporting Actor for Morgan Freeman, Best Actress for Hilary Swank and Best
Motion Picture of the Year.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You may decide to seek a more enlightened path, Virgos. Equating success less with
tangible objects and more with your impact on the world around you is a good start.
www.rescueamillion.org Their mission is: “to plant a million trees and rescue a million
children from poverty by the year 2015. Rescue a Million's project partners are
currently working in over 50 countries, and self-perpetuating programs allow you to
help save children and the environment now while planting seeds for an even
greater future impact. Part of every gift you give immediately helps a child while
another portion plants a tree. When the trees are harvested, additional funds
become available to save more children and plant more trees”
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Avoid the old “Hatfields and McCoys” scenario, Libras. A longstanding feud will do no
one any good! Focus on goodwill instead of getting bogged down with who is right
and wrong. Sometimes “justice” isn’t the be-all, end-all of a dispute. Shake hands
and move on.
Million Mums “is an initiative to bring people together to end the needless deaths of
women in childbirth all over the world.
Our aims are simple: sign up a million people and raise a million pounds to help
prevent women from dying needlessly in pregnancy and childbirth.” www.
millionmums.org
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You’ll have to make sacrifices and adjustments in the areas of work, health, or
service-oriented individuals. You may need to adapt to changes, and prepare for
that which is coming up in your life.
www.amillionkeys.com A Million Keys is a blog based in New York talking about
music and art. “Choice selections from past and present. Disco to deafening, minimal
to manic, the bizarre and the beautiful. Contemporary art - emerging artists or
projects I find worthy of attention. Exhibition reviews, studio visits, interviews, the
gamut.” Blogged by Ceci Moss, a writer, musician, DJ, and curator, she got the name
from the song All the time right in front of your eyes A million keys To a thousand
eyes— The Homosexuals, A Million Keys
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarians, you can learn to take a more balanced view of
friendship and how you relate to friends. What is it you truly care about, and why are
you so touchy about it?
Million Man March - African-American men from across the country gathered on
Washington's National Mall in 1995, and again in 2005 for a massive demonstration
of "unity, atonement and brotherhood".
Organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, the men were asked to pledge
to "clean up their lives and rebuild their neighborhoods". Many of the participants
said they were optimistic that the peaceful day of praying, singing and speechmaking
would lead to more understanding between the races. Farrakhan led the huge crowd
in pledges to "commit to stopping the scourges of drugs, violence and
unemployment".
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The June 7th Full Moon in Sagittarius will induce you to catch some adventure. Hang-
gliding? Skateboard racing? River rafting?
A Million Little Pieces - When Oprah Winfrey announced that author James Frey's
nonfiction memoir of his vomit-caked years as an alcoholic, drug addict, and criminal,
was her latest selection in her book club, the book hit the best-seller list. It was soon
discovered that this “nonfiction memoir” was filled with fabrications, falsehoods, and
fakery.
Moral to us all: Do not try to pass off fiction as fact, which reminds me of something
my dad said: “It is never a good idea to believe a made-up story as if it were the
truth.” - Thomas McMahon
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You’ll be tangling with provocative and possibly stubborn individuals. Meeting new
people with whom you share common goals or passions will open your life up to new
experiences, but make sure your time alone daydreaming stays intact. You need
that time to recharge your own unique personality.
Millions Against Monsanto Campaign - The Organic Consumers Association
(OCA) is grassroots non-profit campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability.
The OCA deals with food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering,
children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, and environmental
sustainability. OCA has a campaign to Mobilize One Million Consumers to End
Monsanto's Global Corporate Terrorism.
For example, “Oakhurst Dairy has been owned and operated by the same Maine
family since 1921, and Monsanto recently attempted to put them out of business.
Oakhurst, like many other dairy producers in the U.S., has been responding to
consumer demand to provide milk free of rBGH, a synthetic hormone banned (for
health reasons) in every industrialized country other than the U.S.
Monsanto, the number one producer of the rBGH synthetic steroid, sued Oakhurst,
claiming they should not have the right to inform their customers that their dairy
products do not contain the Monsanto chemical. Given the intense pressure from the
corporation, Oakhurst was forced to settle out of court, leaving many other dairies
vulnerable to similar attacks from Monsanto.” www.organicconsumers.org
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Keep your secrets to yourself, Pisces. Your goals and ambitions will gather strength
inside you, but if you start blabbing about them, their intensity may diminish.
Million Fishes - “Million Fishes is an incubating program for emerging artists of
visual art, film making, choreography / dance, music, conceptual art, new media,
interactive art, and writing to build the tools necessary to establish themselves as
contributors of art. We are a Each artist has his/her own living quarters; they share 2
kitchens, 3 bathrooms, a darkroom, a dance/yoga studio, a courtyard and one open
gallery space. Million Fishes Artist Collective in San Francisco has one slot available
for a live-in dedicated artist, starting June 1, 2009” www.millionfishes.com
***Sightsee New England!***
May 15-30
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
The New Moon on the 24th will be in Gemini, and will instigate a planning phase.
Hmm, what plans be hatching in yer mind, Ram?
See: Hike the Appalachian Trail. More than 500 public roads cross the
Appalachian Trail, and there are parking areas at or near many of these crossings.
The map of the A.T. provides information on the location of the Trail www.
appalachiantrail.org
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Idealism is running rampant, Bulls! Taking shortcuts may be an acceptable way to
realize your vision without spending every waking minute on it. Happy 39th Birthday
to actress/producer Tina Fey on May 18th Tina, thanks for making it so fun to laugh
at Sarah Palin!
See: Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT. “Overlooking sparkling Lake
Quassapaug, the park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions. There is
a beach and a water park with a gigantic Jungle Gym that incorporates state-of-the-
art technology with H2o. We have more than 100 games to choose from including
old-time favorites like Skee-Ball, Pinball, Pac-Man and Galaga.”(Tickets are about
$20 per person)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
A Gemini New Moon on May 24th will see an expansive social calendar. This is a
great time for you to explore your mystical side. Going on a quest for knowledge is
right up your alley, and there is something mysterious about it this time. Will you go
to a Navajo ritual, walk across hot coals, learn some Voodoo?
See: The Budweiser Clydesdales are mascots, and you can meet these famous
equines by visiting the Clydesdale Hamlet at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in
Merrimack, New Hampshire. Take a free brewery tour, and say hello to the
Clydesdales at their picturesque stables on the property, which are open to the
public year-round. The tour concludes with free beer samples!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your intuition is solid. Rationally telling someone that communication is important will
work. Be careful not to go the extra step and shame that person for having
communicated poorly. A gentle touch is all that’s needed.
See: Olde Mystick Village in Mystic, Connecticut. “Let us take you back to a
tranquil period of life where you can relax and shop in a leisurely way. Step back into
the 1700s. Experience Early American charm and beauty. Linger in more than forty
quaint shops, which feature many unique items from around the world found only at
Olde Mistick Village.”
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You may need to change your mindset about a particular issue. Whether you need
to lighten up, see the humorous side of it, or be flexible to compromise, you’ll get
better results with a change.
See: Acadia National Park. There is an excellent new book out called Time and
Tide in Acadia; Seasons on Mount Desert Island, by Christopher Camuto. It includes
history of the area, geographical narrative and the author‘s own experiences. There
are photographs and exposition of the landscape, from the marsh and the rocky
ocean cliffs, to the woods and the mountains. Camuto’s love of the Downeast shines
when he describes the birds that are inextricable from the scenery, the fog that
enshrouds daybreak, burning off to reveal mountain summits, and the dramatic
spectacle when a storm blows through. If you have never been to Acadia, reading
this book will make your anticipation greater, and if you have been there, reading
this will bring back powerful sense memories.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
If you are trying to master everything you do, you are setting yourself up for self-
recrimination. Prioritize what is truly important to you, and forgive yourself for the
stuff you have to let go of. You have my permission to fail or give up on some
things.
See: Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Take your dog
along if you have one, and he can sit in a pew if he’d like to pray. There is a chapel
and art gallery, nature trails, swimming ponds and other delights of the 400 scenic
acres that surround the chapel on Dog Mountain.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
An uncharacteristic bout of rigid thinking may plague you this month, Libra. Those
around you may have to put up with stubborn scales for a few weeks. C’est la vie.
See: Stroll along the Cliff Walk in historic Newport, Rhode Island. This 4-mile
pathway by the sea is one of New England's most scenic walks, with views of
Newport's legendary mansions as well as the ocean vistas surrounding them.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Start writing your memoirs, Scorps. You’ve had plenty of experiences to get started
with. Losing your mind and then finding it again could fill an entire volume.
See: Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Stretching from Bartlett on the south to lake
Saco on the north, this section of the White Mountains offers the Arethusa Falls and
the Silver and Flume Cascades waterfalls. Other attractions in the area include:
Storyland, Six Gun City, Santa’s Village, Frankenstein Cliffs, Loon Mountain, Lost
River, North Conway Shopping Outlets, Old Man of the Mountains (Franconia
Notch), and Pinkham Notch. Crawford Notch General Store & Campground, Harts
Location, NH www.crawfordnotchcamping.com
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarian rebel poet/artist/romantic visionary William Blake (1757 –1827) said “The
road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom”. Blake and his wife were extremely
unconventional, and visitors tell of stopping by the Blake
house to find them sitting out in their back garden completely naked. Blake abhorred
slavery, and believed in racial and sexual equality. Blake, despite his prodigious
works of poetry and his beautiful artwork- died unrecognized.
Your insecurities may be exaggerated this month, Sags. Keep one foot anchored in
reality, please. If you need help separating fact from fantasy, take a poll of ten
people around you.
See: Hobbamocks Homesite, located three miles north of the Plymouth,
Massachusetts waterfront. The Plymouth Plantation is an absolutely incredible, living
history museum. A re-creation of a 1627 Pilgrim village with homes, storehouses,
animal pens, and fields planted for harvest stretch up the hillside from the water’s
edge, including the neighboring Wampanoag Indian community—Hobbamock's
Homesite. The guides who live and work at Plymouth Plantation are not simply
actors. They have studied their particular character in depth and live as that
historical person. You can purchase a ticket for the Plantation, the Homesite and the
Mayflower II.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The May 24th New Moon in Gemini will find teamwork to be the most fruitful means to
an end. Capricorns often like to work alone, but reach out of your comfort zone if
you have to, and pitch in for the team. There is also space this month to relax,
daydream and catch some rays.
See: The Cape Cod Potato Chip Company has been making its signature kettle-
cooked chips in Hyannis, Massachusetts, since 1980. Tours of the factory are free,
and you get to see how chips are made. You'll even get a free sample of Cape Cod
Potato Chips at the end of the tour. Right on!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
If you’ve been contemplating a name change, this is a great time to do it. Whether it’
s your business, your nickname, or your surname (If your last name of
“Smellybottom” has been passed down for generations, perhaps you are the brave
soul who will legally change it to “Smithbutton”.
See: Cathedral of the Pines, which is on a rural hilltop with the Grand Monadnock
Mountain in the background. This nondenominational sanctuary in Rindge, New
Hampshire, is a place to revel in nature's beauty, and to connect to it in whatever
way suits you...
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Any anger or irritation you feel right now can be squelched by distracting yourself
with a good marathon. Not up for the Sugarloaf Marathon in Eustis on May 17th?
Rent DVDs of a TV show you haven’t seen and spend all day watching it. I’d
recommend The Riches, Weeds, or Slings and Arrows.
See: Eartha, in Yarmouth, Maine. Eartha is the world's largest revolving globe, a
three-story replica of the planet that is on display year-round. Eartha is a Guinness
World Record holder, and admission is free! Another local sightseeing destination is
the Desert of Maine in Freeport, a phenomenon of a former forest where the winds
of time have laid bare more than 40 acres of sand, now formed into sand dunes, but
inland from the ocean. To find this phenomenon (open from early May until mid-
October), take I-95 to exit 19 and then drive two miles west on Desert Road.
***Sandwiches by the Stars ***
May 1-15
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Happy Mother’s Day on May 10th to all those mothers out there A Full Moon in
Scorpio on May 9th may reveal the complexity in a relationship. An innocent remark
may open a can of worms
Your sandwich: The Italian “Panini”, which refers to a type of bread called
“panino”. The sandwich is pressed flat and cooked with the contents in it. You should
also try a Croque-Monsieur, the French version of a toasted ham and cheese
sandwich. Croque comes from the verb croquer or to crunch . The feminine version
of the Mister Crunchy sandwich is the Croque Madam , which adds a fried egg on
top.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
This month was named for the Earth goddess Maia. On May 1st the Celtic
celebration Beltane marks Spring with light, fairies, and flowers. May 2nd is the birth
date of Leonardo DaVinci (490 years ago). He said, “As a well-spent day brings
happy sleep; so a life well used brings a happy death.” That quote might’ve been
more eloquent in Italian, but the concept is lovely.
Friends and family figure prominently in your life this month, especially during the
May 9th Full Moon in Scorpio. The energy from that moon may reveal personality
traits that have been hidden until now. If you are open-minded and willing to accept a
new facet of your loved one, you’ll be rewarded with a closer bond.
Your sandwich: A BLT - bacon, lettuce, and tomato, or a Cheesesteak sandwich
made from strips of steak and cheese, sometimes with peppers and onion, heralding
from Philadelphia. Both of these sandwiches are simple, which appeals to you, Bulls,
but they are also not low-fat. You know what I’m talking about
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Beware false prophets this month, Twins. What people say and what they do can be
wildly divergent. You may be impatient to get a new project off the ground, but take
your time and make sure that you have the right people involved. Someone may be
telling you what you want to hear without the intention to follow through. Look ahead
to May 24th, when a New Moon in your sign will illuminate channels of
communication that will provide you with the answers you need. Until then, I’d hold off
signing any contracts.
Your sandwich: The milagro is a Cuban meat sandwich: marinated, slow-cooked
pork ganged into a baguette slathered with garlicky mayonnaise, then mounded
again with cilantro, jalapeños, and fat O’s of caramelized onions.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 9th sets the stage for romance, Crabs. Add a boat
ride or an evening walk on the beach, and you’ve got a recipe for fireworks
Your sandwich: The tuna melt - tuna, Wonder bread, Velveeta, and a clothes iron.
Or: Havarti, for creaminess; mozzarella for gooeyness; gorgonzolla for bite. Add
fresh basil and grilled tomato for a perfect sandwich.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Mercury retrograde this month can cause snafus and misunderstandings. Confirm
any reservations you have, and think through what you say before speaking so as to
avoid offending anyone inadvertently (i.e. the pitfall, “Oh, congratulations - you’re
pregnant )
Your sandwich: The Monte Cristo sandwich - bread, turkey, ham, and Swiss dipped
in batter and grilled like French toast. The New York version is a sweet, meaty
sponge sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with strawberry jam.
For an adventurous Leo, try a Vegemite or a Marmite sandwich, which are
concentrated yeast extracts. Vegemite first appeared in 1922 when a young chemist
discovered an edible spread made of brewer's yeast. Back then, it was described as
delicious on sandwiches and toast.” It is an acquired taste, and is one of the world's
richest known sources of Vitamin B. Marmite is a cult British favorite and is a dark
brown, salty paste with an intense flavor similar to soy sauce. Nigella Lawson has a
recipe for Marmite sandwiches where she whisks butter and Marmite together and
spreads it on bread.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
No walking down Congress Street this month, Virgos. In fact, this is not an ideal
month for any sort of travel. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if something freaky happens
to you while you’re walking from Vespucci’s to Colucci’s.
Your sandwich: Reuben sandwich - An American sandwich with sauerkraut, Swiss
cheese and corned beef or pastrami on rye bread.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You are gracious and generous when dealing with the public, and you make an
excellent ambassador. If you are mentoring or hosting someone, this comes naturally
to you, but make sure you are taking care of your own self, too. Get enough sleep, a
good diet, fresh air and exercise. Duh, I know, but you Libras will give and give until
you make yourselves sick. Find the balance between your impulse to self-sacrifice,
and putting yourself first.
Your sandwich: The Fluffernutter is a variation on peanut butter & jelly. Peanut
butter and Fluff is a New England regional sandwich. A healthier alternative, the
Caprese -mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, appeals to your sense of beauty with the
colors and fragrant ingredients.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are the most solitary creatures in the Zodiac. They really need their space.
Don’t rely on other people to ensure that you get some quiet time to recharge your
batteries. You have to be proactive and set time for yourself. On another note, be
cautious when hiring someone to do a repair for you - get a second opinion; check
references and even the school that the professional says they graduated from. This
is a time when folks may be deceptive to get a job.
Your sandwich: Quesadillas, or the spicy torta, (Mexican sandwich): breaded carne
asada, cheese, avocado, and jalapeños on a toasted roll. Dip it in salsa or hot sauce.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Misunderstandings may occur this May with Mercury in retrograde. Double check
arrangements and communicate clearly. You will benefit from extra time alone this
month, also. The May 9th Full Moon in Scorpio may cause strange relationship
entanglements. Stay home alone that night is my advice.
Your sandwich: Gyros or Souvlaki from Greece. These are meat or falafel in pita
bread. The sliced lamb gets a quick char while you choose toppings --including hot
sauce, hummus, tabouleh, tahini, yogurt-cucumber sauce, and vegetables.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn epitomizes foundation and structure. Your greatest fear may be having
your home built on shifting sand. Macho Mars is influencing you emotionally this
month. It may feel like intense Spring Fever, and you want to be impulsive. My
advice is not to leap into or out of a relationship too quickly. This could create the
sand analogy that would wind up freaking you out later on.
Your sandwich: The “Elvis” is a fried sandwich with peanut butter, bananas, and
sometimes bacon.
For a spicier experience, try a “Mother-in-Law” sandwich, hailing from Mississippi. It’s
a hot tamale in a big hot dog bun, smothered in peppers, onions and chili.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Do you feel like you’re supposed to be in two places at once? Or even three places
at once? Don’t forget that the pace of your life is up to you. You enjoy being in the
center of the action, but if you’ve over-committed yourself, there is nothing wrong
with bailing out of a thing or two. Please be cautious while on the roads - driving,
biking , and even walking may be more hazardous than usual this month.
Your sandwich: Hoagie - Regional to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, a
hoagie is similar to a sub and uses olive oil with meats on a roll. An Eggplant
Parmesan sandwich is also up your alley, Aquarius. Even a Sloppy Joe would do the
trick for you - hamburger in spaghetti sauce on a bun, simple, delicious, and messy
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You’ll be drawn to mystery around the time of the May 9th Full Moon in Scorpio.
Dreaming of exploring unknown lands, but don’t have the funds to travel? Try
Couchsurfing (www.couchsurfing.com) for a free way to see new places and meet
new people.
Your sandwich: Seafood Salad. Try it with French bread, crusty and soft in the
middle. A Hot Lobster Roll also appeals to you, Pisces.
April 15 - 29
***Your natural habitat ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. If you plant a tree, you’ll have Arbor Day
covered, too! The stars are telling me that your romantic partner will come to you in
a dream. Like, literally, I think.
Natural habitat: Climbing Mt. Everest, or in the fire department.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Listen to some jazz music this month. There is an emphasis on music and spirituality
for you this Spring. Happy Birthday to my two favorite Taurus’s - Bobby Lipps on the
29th and my mom, Carol, on the 27th!
Natural habitat: Farmlands, gardens, or tables (kitchen or massage)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You may find yourself drawn to people who need help. This could be a signal that
you should be in the healing profession. If you are not in a healing type of
profession, you may need an outlet for your sympathetic energy. Perhaps
volunteering at a nursing home?
Natural habitat: Libraries, bookstores, or surfing the Internet
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Try to soak up as much sunshine as possible this month, Crabbies. It will mellow you
right out! You may be moving on to greener pastures, and others will marvel at your
laid-back attitude during this new journey.
Natural habitat: With children, at home, or floating in water
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You are feeling generous, eh, Leos? You may be poised to give away the shirt off
your back, which is a positive disposition, but may not be practical right now. Wait a
few months before sacrificing all of your worldly possessions. In the meantime, read
The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs.
In the author’s words:
“The Year of Living Biblically is about my quest to live the ultimate biblical life. To
follow every single rule in the Bible – as literally as possible. I obey the famous ones:
The Ten Commandments
Love thy neighbor
Be fruitful and multiply
But also, the hundreds of oft-ignored ones.
Do not wear clothes of mixed fibers.
Do not shave your beard
Stone adulterers
Why? Well, I grew up in a very secular home (I’m officially Jewish but I’m Jewish in
the same way the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant)… was I missing something
essential to being a human? Or was half the world deluded?
The book that came out of the year has several layers.
-An exploration of some of the Bible’s startlingly relevant rules. I tried not to covet,
gossip, or lie for a year. I’m a journalist in New York. This was not easy.
--An investigation of the rules that baffle the 21st century brain. How to justify the
laws about stoning homosexuals? Or smashing idols? Or sacrificing oxen? And how
do you follow those in modern-day Manhattan?
--A look at various fascinating religious groups. I embedded myself among several
groups that take the Bible literally in their own way, from creationists to snake
handlers, Hasidim to the Amish.
--A critique of fundamentalism. I became the ultra-fundamentalist. I found that
fundamentalists may claim to take the Bible literally, but they actually just pick and
choose certain rules to follow. By taking fundamentalism extreme, I found that
literalism is not the best way to interpret the Bible.
--A spiritual journey. As an agnostic, I’d never seriously explored such things as
sacredness and revelation.
--A memoir of my family’s eccentric religious history, including my ex-uncle Gil, who
has been, among other things, a Hindu cult leader, an evangelical Christian and an
Orthodox Jew.”
Natural habitat: Desert; On stage/screen or dance floors
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Get ready for some scatterbrained antics displayed by your friends! The planets
aligned in dreamy Pisces are affecting people in a zany way. Wild imaginations and
inconsistent emotions may run rampant for a few weeks. There will be some good
time to be had, though, if you can tolerate the weirdness.
Natural habitat: City streets; Rainforest; Health food stores
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Did putting away your pretty Easter decorations bum you out? You may not feel like
being creative right now, but if you need a pick-me-up, why not make a lovely Spring
floral
arrangement or tie-dye some t-shirts for the kids in your life?
Natural habitat: Social gatherings, fashion shows, or in a courtroom
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The April 24th New Moon will pique your curiosity regarding a certain mystery. Try to
get to the bottom of it by asking around and getting all sides of the story.
Natural habitat: On a rocky cliff, observing from the shadows, doing research, or in
bed
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
The New Moon on April 24th (also Arbor Day - plant a tree!) will inspire you to finish
a project around the house. If you are taking care of someone who is ill, there may
be a follow-up you need to accomplish regarding his or her health.
Natural habitat: Hiking the Grand Canyon, or at a podium
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
You know how they say that people lighten up with age? Regardless of how old you
are, you’ll be feeling some of that flexibility coming your way soon. Your grip is
loosened; tension eases, and recreation becomes more valued.
Natural habitat: On a mountain, on a Board of Directors, at a networking brunch,
or a time management seminar.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You might like to acquire a new pet this month. Make sure you can afford it first, but
if you can, it will bring much joy into your life.
Natural habitat: Protest demonstrations, volunteering for charity, inside the latest
virtual technology
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You may be drawn to glamour this Spring. Reaching out of your comfort zone will
allow you to dive right into the reflecting pool, waterfall, or champagne fountain.
Natural habitat: Art galleries, concert halls, spiritual gatherings, or walking in the
woods
April 1 - April 15
***Take a Vacation ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Romance and fantasy equal some potential misunderstandings this month, Aries.
The Full Moon on April 9th will illuminate the talents of those in your relationship
sector. With Venus (romance) traveling retrograde through Pisces (fantasy) from
now until April 16th, make sure you have clear channels of communication to avoid
embarrassing declarations of love. Happy 204th Birthday to Hans Christian
Anderson, who wrote killer fairy tales.
"He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to
enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him; for the great
swans swam round the newcomer, and stroked his neck with their beaks, as a
welcome." - The Ugly Duckling
Vacation deal: 9 Day cruise to Portugal. Fly to Florida ($200RT) and sail on the
Crown Princess on April 26. The ship has dining, entertainment and activity options,
including three main dining rooms, two specialty restaurants, Caribbean-themed
Café Caribe, extensive buffet, and pizzeria. Practice your swing at the golf simulator,
relax poolside or dance the night away at Skywalkers Nightclub. Ports of Call:
Departs From Ft. Lauderdale, visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores; Lisbon, and Portugal.
Total expense $700 - $800
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The perfect travel time for you is mid-month, between the April 9th Full Moon and the
April 24th New Moon (in your sign). Your curiosity about the world is stimulated, and
you’ll want to discover new things via travel and research.
Vacation deal: NYC, baby! Fly from PWM to Laguardia on Saturday morning, stay 2
nights at The Club Quarters Downtown, and return Monday evening. Located in the
center of historical New York, Club Quarters is just a short walk from the Stock
Exchange, South Sea Seaport, site of the World Trade Center, ferry to Ellis Island,
and the Statue of Liberty, as well as Battery Park and Bowling Green. The hotel’s
Bull Run bar and restaurant is acclaimed for fine dining. Hotel amenities include
room service, ice/vending machines, concierge, housekeeping, 24-hour security,
laundry/valet services, and fitness center. Total price $450 for 3 days.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
There is money to be made from your old stuff, Twins. Clean out your possessions
with an eagle eye for buried treasure. Either E-bay it, take it to a consignment shop,
or have a yard sale. Also, check all of the pockets in your pants, coats, and bags.
Something valuable will surface.
Vacation deal: Niagra Falls by rail! Take Amtrak from Portland to New York ($100),
then to Niagara Falls ($150), and stay at The Glengate Hotel, a 15-minute walk from
the casino and the falls. Hotel amenities include the free breakfast, 24-hour casino
shuttle, satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, and air-conditioning. Total
package: approx. $550 for 3 nights.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Do you feel the tug of Spring’s gentle breeze at your coattails? With it comes a
longing to see new places, and connect with something larger than your own
immediate surroundings. When you become wholeheartedly engaged in a project
this April, you will discover a new sense of connectedness.
Vacation deal: The Windy City! On Monday, April 6, fly from PWM to Chicago, IL.
Return Friday, April 10. Stay at the Chicago O’Hare Garden Hotel, which is just 2
miles from O’Hare Airport, as well as the convention center, and 1 block from the
train station to downtown Chicago. It offers free Airport shuttle and free high-speed
internet access, free Express Breakfast, Free Parking, Health Club, Restaurant, Pets
OK, and Room service. An exciting and enjoyable experience for the upscale
traveler, this hotel provides a warm & engaging atmosphere with personalized
boutique, savvy services and a trendy style. Book your tickets to an Oprah show,
catch some tunes at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge -jazz, dixieland, bebop,
progressive - played by legendary figures, as well as young lions. See a play at the
Second City Theater or the Steppenwolf Theater, and take a tour of the Recovery,
Inc. national headquarters. Flight + 4 nights hotel: $492. (Receive the 4th night free
through Orbitz.com.)
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Keep an eye on your competition, Lions. Someone who may seem supportive may
be angling for your job! You have a tendency to trust everyone, and we love your
positive nature. Just make sure to check references! Read Undertaker of the Mind:
John Monro and Mad-Doctoring in Eighteenth-Century England (Medicine and
Society) “Undertaker of the Mind is a wide-ranging study of the place of madness in
18th century English culture and society, seen through the prism of John Monro's life
and medical career. A physician at Bethlem Hospital, the archetypal Bedlam, and
Britain's first and (for hundreds of years) only public institution for the insane, Dr.
John Monro (1715-1791) was a celebrity in his own day. Jonathan Andrews and
Andrew Scull call him a connoisseur of insanity, this high priest of the trade in
lunacy. Andrews and Scull draw on an astonishing array of sources that include the
diaries, family papers, and correspondence of some of England's wealthiest
citizens.
The book is also distinctive in the coverage it affords to individual case histories of
Monro's patients, including such prominent contemporary figures as the Earls
Ferrers and Orford, the religious enthusiast Alexander Cruden, and the mad King
George III, as well as his crazy would-be assassin, Margaret Nicholson.”
Vacation deal: London, England Sat, Apr 11 - Tue, Apr 14. Fly from PWM to
Heathrow, stay at the Holiday Inn Maidstone-Sevenoaks in the West Kent area. This
borough of Chelsea/ Kensington is in the west side of central London, and west of
the City of Westminster. Notable attractions and institutions in Kensington include:
Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens, the Royal Albert Hall opposite the Albert
Memorial in Hyde Park, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Leeds Castle, Hop Farm,
and a 10-minute journey to Brands Hatch (Grand Prix racing). Once you’ve seen the
sites, relax and unwind in the Jacuzzi & Spa. Total price for 4 days: $600 - $700.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Let’s celebrate April 10th, the 160th anniversary of the safety pin’s invention. Safety
pins were a great idea. How will you celebrate? How about making a safety pin
necklace to give to your secret crush? You need to plan a getaway, Virgos.
Whether it’s business or relaxation, international or to Vinylhaven for the weekend,
you need to go! Some configuration of the planets is telling me this, but it’s pretty
complicated, so take my word on it.
Vacation deal: Fly from PWM to Frankfurt, Germany! Leave on April 11th, and
return on April 15th. Stay at the Express by Holiday Inn Frankfurt, located eight miles
from Frankfurt International Airport and 13 miles from Frankfurt's city center. Local
attractions include The Goethe House, and Wiesbaden Casino. Get a taste of old
Frankfurt in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood. Wander the cobblestone streets
lined with half-timbered houses, visit a museum, or stroll the banks of the Main River.
Then visit one of the neighborhood's many ebbelwoi, or cider taverns, for German
fare with a Frankfurt twist--instead of beer, you'll be chugging local hard apple cider.
Total price for 3 days: $550.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Happy Passover, beginning April 9th, to all of our Jewish friends. If you’ve been
burning the candle at both ends, watch out for a rude interruption to your
workaholism. Around the 9th, with the Full Moon in your sign, your need for
accolades may reach a pinnacle where you have no choice but to fall off of the
pedestal. Whether it’s an accident, a sudden change of heart, or a life-altering
event, you’ll be forced to slow down, one way or another.
Vacation deal: Toronto, Canada! The Bond Place Hotel is ideally located in the
heart of downtown Toronto at Yonge and Dundas Square - close to the Eaton
Centre. The Hotel is centrally located within walking distance to all major attractions,
including the Toronto Convention Centre, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Royal Ontario
Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Harbourfront. Enjoy a night at the theatre or
dinner in a wide variety of restaurants, all within minutes of the hotel. The Toronto
subway system is an inexpensive and efficient way to explore the city. $100/night,
plus $400 airfare puts the package at $700 for a 3-night stay.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Difficult planetary alignments warn you not to push too hard (yourself or others). Cut
down on your stress level by swimming with the tide for awhile. One of my favorite
sayings from the self-help of Recovery, Inc “Don’t be a saint, a Spartan, a hero or a
martyr. Be a good, average person”. In other words, relax, buster!
Vacation deal: The Bayou! Fly on April 5th from PWM to New Orleans’ Louis
Armstrong International Airport. (Flight time, 5 hours). Stay at the Maison Dupuy
Hotel in the French Quarter for 4 nights. Volunteer for a day with Hands On New
Orleans. Visit the 3 Ring Circus Arts Center. Take the Hurricane Katrina Tour, and
travel through neighborhoods such as Lakeview, Gentilly, New Orleans East, and the
Ninth Ward. Afterwards, you'll have a better understanding of events pre- and post-
Katrina and know more about the rebirth of New Orleans. Take the Voodoo
Cemetery Tour, the Honey Island Swamp Tour and the Garden District tour. Total
price $550.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
You are the strong and silent type. We like that about you, Sags. Make an
impression on us this month by sharing your darkest thoughts, deepest fears, and
sacredly held long-term plans. Your self- confidence in opening up will be infectious.
Vacation deal: $1,600 for round trip airfare and 6 nights in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam! First you take the bus to Boston, and then fly to Vietnam. Located in the
City’s diplomatic area, only 5 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Liberty 1
Hotel will provide you the homey comfort when apart from home. The hotel provides
amenities like ballroom, banquet facilities, bar, beauty salon/ hairdresser, business
centre, currency exchange, doctor on call, dry cleaning,Internet access-wireless,
laundry service, night club, reception, restaurant, room service-24 hrs, safe deposit
box, smoke –free hotel, spa service and tour desk. Breakfast is included.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Opt for casual destinations where you can hang tight alone or with a bud. Plan a trip
for late April or May, as conditions for travel aren’t great for you in the first two weeks
of April. You’ve had a hectic Winter, and you need some chill time now.
Vacation deal: Fly from PWM to our nation’s capital! Stay in the thick of things at
The Holiday Inn Georgetown, which is three miles from the center of Washington DC.
Local attractions include Georgetown University, Embassy Row, American University,
Dumbarton Oaks, The White House, Smithsonian Institution, Lincoln Memorial, and
Union Station. Hotel amenities include complimentary local area shuttle to and from
local Metro Station, laundry/dry cleaning, newsstand, room service, gift shop,
seasonal outdoor pool, and fitness center. Drinks and dining are available at John
F's Market Cafe and Lounge. Total price: $450 for 3 days and two nights
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
The itch to travel will be fierce when, on April 9th, the Full Moon in Libra lands in
your “House of Faraway Places”. No joke. Plan a trip with both educational and
spiritual aspects to it for the maximum satisfaction. This trip will relax, re-center, re-
invigorate you!
Vacation deal: Arabian Sights! Fly from PWM to Dubai (a 17- hour trip), the most
populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern
coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai lies directly within the
Arabian Desert. Stay for 6 nights at the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, which is
perfectly placed in the heart of fashionable Bur Dubai, just minutes away from the
Central Business District, the Dubai Museum, Heritage Village and the World Trade
Centre. The Apartments are in modern buildings, located in the most cosmopolitan
area of Dubai. An ancient land alive with modern marvels, Dubai represents the
height of extravagance. Stroll through labyrinths of luxury residences and resorts on
the artificially-designed Palm Islands, lined with date and coconut trees. Or take a
safari tour to jagged mountains, Bedouin villages, and storied archaeological sites.
Eat some shawarma (a Middle Eastern Arabic-style wrap with meat). Shawarma is a
staple across the Middle East. The classic shawarma is pita bread, hummus, tomato
& cucumber, and shaved meat.
Total Flight and 6 nights Hotel = $1,621
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You have some Spring Fever going on, Pisces! Look for a new approach to love and
companionship with the Libra Full Moon on April 9th. Venus is moving backwards
into your sign from April 11 - 24, so get ready for some romantic upheaval. This
same time period promises some luck to come your way. You can offset the expense
of your trip by searching out the lucky finds. They may be in your attic, at a yard
sale, or in a brilliant moneymaking idea, such as hiring yourself out to babysit, or
make all natural pomegranate lotions to sell to people…
Vacation deal: Hawaii! $1,500 for round trip airfare and 7 nights at the Waikiki
Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Situated only steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach
and the Pacific Ocean, the variety of services available is nothing short of
spectacular. From freshwater heated swimming pools and tantalizing dining to
fascinating cultural performances and classes, this elegant Waikiki beach hotel
resort is an incomparable tropical retreat. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens.
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the two heated freshwater swimming pools. Savor a
sumptuous meal in an onsite restaurant - followed by fantastic Hawaiian
entertainment. Take a day trip to Honolulu and visit the Punahou School where our
President attended. Mahalo!
March 18 - April 1
***Hair by the Stars***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
There will be a New Moon in Aries on March 26th, which is symbolic of a fresh start.
You have an unusually propitious opportunity at that time to shape your new goals.
You may have to fight for what you want, but you’ll have a crystal-clear vision of what
it is!
Hair-do: Mop-top. This bowl-cut style features a heavy-weight line around the head
at brow level. The hair below the weight line is sharply tapered and the fringe is
softly layered to feather around the eyes
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Someone may challenge you toward the end of the month. Try to stay above any
squabbling over politics, religion, or your neighbor’s personal business. Emotions will
be running high, and reasoning with people may not work. Be patient this month,
especially in the face of frustrations and delays.
Hair-do: Caesar cut - a moderately short cut worn in the style of Julius Caesar. The
hair is layered to around 1 to 2 in.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Your social life or love life might not get back on track until May. Investments into
new relationships take time to yield results. Travel factors into your horoscope this
March. You’ll get a burst of energy at the end of March - lots of new ideas and
motivation to act.
Hair-do: The versatile pompadour (or pomp) - the style of wearing the hair
brushed back off the forehead. Typically a pompadour is not parted, but just
brushed straight up and back. The term pompadour is also a woman's hairstyle with
the hair brushed back high from the forehead, into a roll (much higher than for a
man's pompadour). The term is named after a woman (Marquise de Pompadour, a
mistress of France's Louis XV). The pompadour is referred to (as a man's hairstyle)
in John Steinbeck's classic 1952 novel "East of Eden": “He was wearing a flat-
topped, narrow-brimmed hat, very stylish, and when he saw them he broke into a run
and yanked off his hat and they could see that this bright hair was clipped to a short
brush of a pompadour that stood straight up.”
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your emotional intuition may be helpful to others who are questioning their life’s
purpose. Mark the Spring Equinox on March 20th by writing your desires on paper
and then burning them, thereby sending your desires out to the Universe. Then you
just need to relax, keep positive and allow the ritual to manifest. Another idea is to
clean the hair out of the family hairbrushes and put it out for the birds to use as
nesting material. When you do, send loving thoughts to the birds, who will use your
hair to make their homes.
If an opportunity presents itself, don’t talk yourself out of it by worrying that
something bad COULD happen. Take a chance that something good WILL happen.
Hair-do: Cornrows (with or w/out beads) For men: grow your beard out as long as
possible. I heard that the record is 17 feet long.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Expect an ego clash this month. Hold your tongue, and you’ll be glad you did later on
down the road. You’ll have some intense interactions with folks, especially around
March 20th when the Sun enters fiery Aries. Approach any potential conflict with that
charm you know you can muster when you need to, and things will be fine.
Hair-do: Teddy boy cut - a style worn by “mods” in England during the late 1950s
and early 1960s. Typically the hair was cut relatively long (for the time), brushed
back, and heavily greased.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Celebrate the first day of Spring on March 20th by cleaning your house and
donating unwanted items to charity. Be cautious with your expenses - even the little
things are adding up. If you have been experiencing difficulties communication, with
lots of misunderstandings, never fear. That will clear up at the end of March.
Hair-do: The seventies hairstyle is back in full force - from long bangs, parts down
the middle to shags, big curls and perms - the seventies are returning to the days of
Charlie's Angels, black and white High School year books, and David Bowie. The
seventies spanned the bridge from the explosive revolution of the sixties to the
increased sophistication of the eighties. We saw a range of hairstyles progress from
the look of the late sixties - straight, clear parts (usually down the middle),
headbands, and bobs, to tighter, shorter and layered shag looks of the Eighties.
For men: sideburns are IN, fellows!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Enterprising is the word that sums up your mood right now, Libra. With the Spring
Equinox on the 20th, and the New Moon in Aries on March 26th, you’ll be spinning
ideas into action very soon! Impressing decision-makers is key, so dress and groom
well, and think before speaking.
Hair-do: Nothing says “romance” like a chignon. Choose the perfect hair
accessories, and the chignon bun is exquisite. You can find some of the prettiest
items for hair accessorizing in the notions departments of large fabric stores. Look
for rolls of pearls, sequins, and flowers, or choose pretty ribbons or lace that can be
tied or simply pinned into place. For men: A handlebar moustache is the epitome
of elegance. If anyone can bring it back into fashion, you can!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Maintaining balance in your life between being an active part of your loved ones
lives, and taking care of your own needs, will build a solid ground of support. Your
motivation will extend toward both of these areas this month, so you are there for the
others while ensuring your own emotional welfare.
Hair-do: Ringlets or a French Twist satisfy your desire for mystery and sultry
seductiveness. For men: A goatee says, “I’m interesting. Try to figure me out…”
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
The Sun will enter the spontaneous Aries on March 20th for the Spring Equinox.
Impulsive trips, purchases, and displays of emotion are to be expected. If you like
living on the edge, go ahead and give in to every whim. If you ever regret your
impulsive moves, take a beat to think through the ramifications first.
Hair-do: Mullet. This gender-neutral hairstyle is making a comeback!
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
If a deal looks too good to be true, it’s probably a bad deal. You may be feeling
overwhelmed, like there is too much on your plate right now. Don’t get discouraged -
the first day of Spring on March 20th will lighten your mood!
Hair-do: bowl cut - a cut that gets its name from its origins of placing a bowl on the
head and then cutting off everything around the bowl. The bowl cut became popular
during the Great Depression as an easy way of cutting hair. While techniques may
have improved, the cut still has the same basic characteristics of longer hair on top
and short hair below a "bowl line", which is usually just above the ears.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Your unwavering dedication can take its toll on your body if you are not careful to
maintain balance in your life. You may end up feeling run down as a result of your
devotion, or unable to find time in your busy schedule to do what makes you happy.
You should embrace the strength of your motivation as much as you can while
remembering to take care of yourself.
Hair-do: Emo Hairstyles - styled w/gel to stick out in crops and at angles, a la
singer Pink, or Kelly Osbourne…If you possess the courage to get your locks clipped
into a short asymmetrical hairstyle, there are many variations. How about some
shaggy ends with an abundance of texture near your cheekbones?
Or maybe you would rather have one side super short and the other angled down to
show off only one of your eyes?
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces, you are very motivated by the past and the unconscious, rather than by the
here-and-now. This gets you sidetracked. You have a particular love of music and
dance, and you need to have a creative outlet somewhere in order to be happy.
Hair-do: Afro or (since not everyone can manage an Afro), a Psychobilly wedge.
The term “psychobilly wedge” references a hairstyle common among performers who
perform a sub-genre of music called “psychobilly”.
“Psychobilly” is generally described as a mix of late-70s punk and 50s American
rockabilly styles. Many style their hair in a high-piled, wedge-shaped pompadour
style. This type of style is readily identifiable, and can be seen on performers like
Brian Setzer (of Stray Cats and Brian Setzer Orchestra fame), Morissey (of The
Smiths), and Mikey Way (of My Chemical Romance). It is often compared with the
“Rockabilly” hairstyle, since it – in effect – is the same style, with minor modifications
according to personal taste.
March 5 - 19
***What to do with your extra Daylight hour***
The distinguished English outdoorsman William Willett thought up Daylight
Savings Time in 1905 during an early morning ride, when he was dismayed
how many Londoners slept through a large part of a summer day. He also
hated having to go inside at dusk. He proposed advancing the clock during
summer months, and lobbied unsuccessfully for the proposal until his
death in 1915. The first European nations to adopt this invention were
Germany and its allies during WW1, beginning in April 1916. Many other
countries, including Russia, soon began using DST also. The United
States embraced it in 1918. Since then, the world has seen many
legislations, repeals and amendments.
(Daylight Savings Time begins March 8th.)
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Relationship misunderstandings are likely this month with Venus in retrograde. To
avoid any problems, go with the flow, think before you speak, and hold off on any
impulsive weddings or break-ups! The week of March 10th will be all about your
career, so keep your feelers out there for behind-the-scenes information and
opportunities for advancement. The Full Moon in Virgo on March 10th may open the
door to a business venture.
With your hour: make a gift for someone, or start a weekly Poker game (if you do,
please invite me!)
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Your ruling planet, Venus, will retrograde from March 6th until mid-April. This may
cause personal plans to go awry, or kinks in your close relationships. A valuable
business contact could be made during a group activity. Be prepared to be flexible
and re-schedule meetings or appointments. March is the month for "Helping
Someone See" and "Eye Donors". Why not celebrate by donating your eyes to
research after you die?
With your hour: Stay in touch with distant family or friends by picking up the phone,
e-mailing, or sending a postcard. Another option: scrape the scum off of your
bathroom tiles.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
I see travel in your future. Are you relocating, or just taking a trip? Either way, your
social life is not as busy as usual. This could be due, in part, to your conscious
money-saving efforts.
With your hour: Socialize in the daylight hours. Walk the Back Cove with a friend.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
On the March 10th Full Moon in Virgo, be extra cautious while driving. Challenging
relationships may plague you, especially at work. Try to stay out of the way, if
possible. Out of the path of fire.
Celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday on March 9th! Barbies are fun, and they’ve made
many different races of Barbie, which is good, but how about some different body
type Barbies? Where’s "Sophomore 15 Barbie", "Pear-shaped Barbie" and "Baby-
bearing hips Barbie". There should be a flat-chested "Butch Barbie", too!
With your hour: play Frisbee, or start a beer can collection. Here’s a website to get
you started: www.bcca.com
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
March 12th is Canberra Day in Australia! Canberra Day is a public holiday held
annually to celebrate the official naming of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It’s
kind of like Washington D.C. is to America - Canberra is the site of Parliament
House, the High Court of Australia and numerous government departments and
agencies. It is also the location of many social and cultural institutions of national
significance, such as the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia,
National Museum of Australia and the National Library of Australia.
Delays and miscommunications may disrupt your plans this month, especially the last
two weeks of March. Relationships flourish with honest communication. Watch out for
an egomaniac at work - the less you engage this person, the better.
With your hour: Read The Senator’s Wife by Sue Miller. "Meri is newly married,
pregnant, and standing on the cusp of her life as a wife and mother… Delia
Naughton--wife of the two-term liberal senator Tom Naughton--is Meri's new
neighbor in the adjacent New England town house. Delia's husband's chronic
infidelity has been an open secret in Washington circles, but despite the complexity
of their relationship, the bond between them remains strong. What keeps people
together, even in the midst of profound betrayal? Delia and Meri find themselves
leading strangely parallel lives, both reckoning with the contours and mysteries of
marriage, one refined and abraded by years of complicated intimacy, the other
barely begun." Can’t sit still to read? Learn how to juggle - it comes in handy more
often than you’d think!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Watch out for extra expenses at the end of March. Safeguard your finances as much
as possible. Consider selling some of your possessions at thrift stores or on
Craigslist. There may be some tension at work, especially around the March 10th
Full Moon in Virgo. You may be tempted to quit, but try to hold on at lease until the
summer. Things may improve.
With your hour: Donate blood and help save someone's life in an emergency.
Portland Donor Center
524 Forest Ave. 775-2367 or toll free 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Donor Hours: Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. First
and Third Saturday of the month 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. If you can’t give blood, RELAX!
Chill out. Take a bubble bath; listen to music or spend some time alone.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
An issue that you have previously squelched will come to light soon. Your ruler,
Venus, will be retrograde for a month, which may spell a few bumps in the road to
love. It may also mean the return of a past love. You may have some physical
discomfort in this period, such as being cold, sick, or injured. On a positive note,
your creative side blossoms.
With your hour: Is your hair dry, Scales? Try this remedy from France: put olive oil
on it for 30 minutes before washing. C’est magnifique! Another idea - spend an hour
a day making a quilt out of old clothes and fabrics.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You may find less support from friends and co-workers than you usually get. This is
a result of Venus in retrograde, and will reverse itself mid-April. Try to enjoy some
comfort on the homefront - it’s a great time to tackle home repairs and fix-er-upper
projects.
With your hour: Work on writing a book. Not creative? Memorize a poem. If you can
recite a poem, your animal magnetism will increase by 30%.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
No talking on the cell phone while driving! Life may be feeling hectic this month,
Archers. You feel stretched thin. Try stopping what you are doing for a minute and
give someone your undivided attention. This could end up (counter intuitively)
adding extra energy to your wellspring.
With your hour: Draw something, make beaded necklaces, or build a fort out of
blankets and pillows.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Home repairs factor in this month. Relatives may take your attention. Planning a trip?
Bring some Pepto-Bismol.
With your hour: Learn a new language. Have you forgotten your Spanish lessons
from high school? With an extra hour a day, it definitely wouldn't take long to learn a
new language. Or take a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad at 58 Fore St. 828-
0814.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
The Full Moon on March 10th buoys your mood. You may interrupt someone’s
dreary day with your imaginative and joyful spirit. Remember to present your ideas
(which may be unusual) in a gentle way that makes others feel comfortable, as
opposed to a jarringly irreverent way.
With your hour: Spin the globe and randomly point to your next vacation
destination. Learn all you can about that place. Xenophobic? Floss your teeth and
impress your dentist at your next check-up!
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Happy 9th Birthday to Tamar McMahon! Two fun facts about Tamar: 1. She donated
her hair to Locks of Love. 2. She loves stickers. Another talented Pisces, Albert
Einstein, would be turning 130 this March 14th! Two fun facts about Albert Einstein:
1. He bought many sets of identical clothes so he wouldn’t have to fuss with what to
wear. 2. Two weeks before he died, he wrote a letter protesting nuclear testing and
bombs. Mars will be taking a trip through your sign mid-March, Pisces, which will fire
up your jets. A new jolt of energy will bring some excitement to your life!
With your hour: Watch an episode of "Celebrity Apprentice" and laugh at Donald
Trump’s hair, or take a Mensa quiz online.
February 18 - March 4
***Get Your Local Paper!***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
A New Moon on the 24th boosts your power of attraction. If there is something you
want, use your sparkling personality to go and get it! Your social life is in high gear.
Read: The Island Times. Do you want to know when the Chowder Contest is? What
about the Annual Spaghetti dinner, and what’s going on at the Peaks Island Health
Center? Of course you do! Find out about the First Tuesday Book Club at the Peaks
Island Library (note: this Mar. 3 is” People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks.) You
are the pioneers of the zodiac, much like the island spirit. You have an old-fashioned
innocence that can be very quaint. You stand for brave new beginnings and are
usually the one to get a project off the ground. You are outspoken, courageous and
will fight passionately for what you want. On the negative side, your eagerness can
seem pushy. Also, don’t be a daredevil. No midnight boat rides under the influence,
please! www.islandtimes.org
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
A close relationship may be under stress this February. If you’re a parent or
caregiver, lavish some extra attention on your “child” this month.
Read: The Press Herald & The Maine Switch. You’re not crazy about change, Bulls.
You like your paper the same way it was 10 years ago. You’ll stick with the PPH,
thank you, and their pet project The Switch appeals to your sense of aesthetic
beauty. You are persistent and determined, placid and love security. Occasionally
you must check yourself from becoming intractable and self-indulgent.
Job-hunting looks promising at the end of February. A lucky love or business
connection will be made then, also.
Read: The USM Free Press is a weekly student–run newspaper serving the
University of Southern Maine. You’re the knowledge-seeker of the zodiac, Twins, and
the most likely to be pursuing higher education. You’re adaptable, witty, and a good
communicator. Beware of appearing superficial and inconsistent.
www.usmfreepress.org
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Stress or frustration may get your goat this month, Crabs. Practice avoiding
annoying people.
Read: The Baysider. The Bayside Neighborhood Association produces the Baysider
newspaper on a bi-monthly basis to keep members and the community informed on
issues and events of interest. You are the homebody of the zodiac, and enjoy
protecting your small corner of the world. Emotional, sympathetic and cautious, you
are not happy if your family and community isn’t happy. You should not only read
The Baysider, you should volunteer on it!
www.baysideneighborhood.org
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Don’t go looking for arguments this month; they’ll be looking for you. If you get drawn
into conflict rather than a healthy competition, chances are you’ll be the one taking a
nosedive. Head it off at the pass by holding your tongue. Getting upset when things
do not go the way you expected them to doesn’t help the matter. Choose your
battles wisely.
Read: The Bollard The Bollard is Portland’s free monthly independent voice for
local news and arts coverage. As the proudest animal in the zodiac, you can relate
to the bombastic style of The Bollard. Extroverted, ambitious, strong willed, and self-
confident, you and The Bollard both need to watch your hastiness of temper and lust
for power. If suspicious of rivals, you won’t hesitate to use scheming and trickery to
discredit them.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You are working hard doing your thing, and this month your effort is having the
effect of galvanizing the community and promoting health, holding groups together.
You have a natural affinity for this important work, and people notice and appreciate
you for it.
Read: The West End News! This publication will suit your need for order and
veracity. The WEN has your hands-on approach to life ability to stick to the task, no
matter what, and to “keep on keeping on” with no end in sight. Fair-minded,
practical, intelligent and analytical, you can count on a Virgo to give you the straight
talk.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
With your ruler Venus going into Aries, the focus is on respect, courtesy and co-
operation. This is your bailiwick, and the present time focuses you on creating a
sturdy relationship. Since your mission is to find internal balance and calm
equilibrium, you may want to learn meditation or some other spiritual practice within
your relationship.
Read: The Observer. You want to be fair and read news from the East End as well
as the West End, right? Look for a new & improved Munjoy Hill Observer coming this
Spring! Urbane, romantic, charming, and sociable, you also have a propensity
toward indecisiveness and gullibility. Surround yourself with positive people and you
will be the toast of the town!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Letting go of accountability in your relationships will help keep them strong. Abandon
all notions of “keeping score” with people. Your home may be expanding as you get
the urge to build an addition to your house, or adopt a new pet. The bad news is the
emotional toil these experiences may provoke, and you’ll need to dig deep into your
reservoir of patience to keep your cool. The benefit, the stars say, is that the trials
and tribulations you’ll endure this month will help you clarify your goals.
Read: The Phoenix. It’s the closest we have to salacious, saucy or sultry in the way
of local news. They do the most stories on condoms and naked bungee jumping,
and the subversive cartoon Hoopleville appeals to your dark side.
You and The Phoenix are powerful, passionate, and exciting, but can also be jealous
and resentful of other people and publications.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
February is shaping up to be a marvelous month for you, Sagittarius, and it’s just the
tonic you need! You won’t have to travel far to find a myriad of interesting people
and projects in need of your creative touch. If your wanderlust is tickling your
collarbone, you could work on plans for a big trip later. But for now, be a leader in
neighborhood activities where your enthusiasm and good will can make things better
close to home.
Read: The Strange Maine Gazette Independent, adventurous, humorous,
straightforward and generous, Strange Maine Gazette embodies your worldview.
SMG prints four issues a year, and maintains the website: strangemaine.blogspot.
com
“Founded 2005! Freaks. Weirdos. Unmapped roads. Whispering rocks. Deadening
fog. Ghost pirates. Lonely islands. THINGS in the WOODS. A place where the 4
seasons really know how to live. …a nexus for conversation about Maine's unique
strangeness, people who love it, people who have experienced it, & people who are
intrigued by it. History, mysteries, legends, current events, cryptozoology, & more.”
Where you can find copies of the SMG: Arabica Coffee, Portland Public Library, and
the store Strange Maine.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
A Pisces New Moon on February 24th will inspire you to work on your hopes,
dreams, and positive aspirations. Also, look forward to some cozy time at home.
Read: DownEast Dog News: “Downeast Dog News is a monthly paper for people
who love dogs and want to read about what's happening in Maine's dog community.”
For Goats, nothing’s more fun than reading about the adventures of canines. You
are practical, prudent, disciplined, and patient - the perfect pet owner!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Share your enthusiasm with others. You’ll be getting a chance to communicate
something important soon, and people will be listening. Look out for those who need
your help but may not be asking for it.
Read: The Portland Daily Sun. This is our new (free) daily paper. Some consider it
a risky venture, and possibly rebellious toward our status quo here in Portland, but
that’s right up your alley, Aquarius! Your friendly, humanitarian, intellectual
personality is also unpredictable and can often be contrary. Keep the rest of us
abreast on what The Daily Sun is up to…
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The New Moon on February 24th is in your sign, Fish. Time for first steps and for
positively meditating on what you want to happen. You may be feeling impervious to
danger or problems that could arise from your actions .If you can’t resist acting like a
teenager, at least make sure your energy is directed at a good cause. Happy
Birthday 78th birthday to Senator Ted Kennedy on February 22nd.
Read: The Spiritual Renaissance. With 4 issues per year, the SR “provides
information and understanding to spiritual seekers and others interested in
transforming their consciousness and life styles to be aligned with the New Aquarian
Age we are moving into. Our intention is to inspire others in the growing human
revolution and spiritual renaissance here on planet earth. Within this Publication are
articles on: astrology, transpersonal and Jungian psychology, myth, the
transformation of Human Consciousness, mental health, poetry, holistic and
alternative health, human and animal rights issues, earth healing and ecology,
shamanism, meditation, yoga, breath-work, UFOs and extraterrestrial contact,
goddess spirituality, sacred passages and ceremonies, metaphysics, Eastern and
Western spiritual traditions…” Pisces, your imaginative and compassionate nature
make this publication a must read. However, beware of your tendency toward
escapism. You find it irresistible to lose yourself in a dreamy netherworld, and you
can also be easily led down a strange path. Don’t go joining any cults, man!
February 5 - 19
*** What’re You Doing on Valentine’s Day? ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Spring is still a ways off, and patience is required. The name of this month derives
from Februa, the Roman Festival of Purification. Feb. is a month filled with feasts
honoring feminine figures like St. Brigit, St. Agatha, and the Virgin Goddess Artemis.
Practice not complaining, and this will grow your inner strength. Aries friends, this
month (and, in fact, all year), you will appreciate the value of belonging to a group. It
may be a neighborhood organization, a political group, or a pub where everyone
shouts your name when you walk in, but you’ll suddenly realize how feeling
connected to others is as important as your own independence.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Make some cinnamon ice cream, learn a magic trick, and
wrap stuff up in big red bows.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The coldest temperature on record for North America was in 1947, it was -81 in the
Yukon, Canada. Crikes! Do you have a long held dream that you fear may never
come true? Gather information on this dream and look at the facts realistically. Do
you want to play it safe, or do you want to push the limit of your potential and go for
it? One last note: don’t underestimate the persuasive power your charm has over
others!
To do on Valentine’s Day: Go to a concert or a play. Buy a piece of artwork that is
made with stones, metal, vines, knots or glass. Install a bird feeder (February is
“Wild Bird Feeding Month”)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
The lunar eclipse on the 9th may stir up emotions in response to your family or
community. Annoyances may loom large, but trust that they are mood-related and
will pass.
On Feb. 15th, the Japanese celebrate Kamakura, a Snow Cave Festival.
Interestingly, three days later people celebrate Kuomboka, a River Festival, in
Zambia.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Read a book on a scandal from American history, or
splurge and buy a glossy, hip magazine. Put up wind chimes. Play a trivia game with
friends.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
This month has a mysterious quest in store for you, Cancers. All I can tell you is that
it has to do with overseas travel, spiritual matters, or an obscure point of interest.
The Full Moon (and lunar eclipse) on the 9th will trigger issues relating to money and
your morals or belief system. If there is contention, remember that there is no right or
wrong way to do things, only a difference of opinion. If you are unemployed, put
aside any concern over what others think of you, and blaze a new trail. This is a
great time to start your own business!
To do on Valentine’s Day: Rescue a piece of antique furniture and refurbish it.
Make a family tree. Develop you psychic ability by practicing reading your friends
minds.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
A dramatic Full Moon Eclipse on Feb. 9th will be in your sign. Strange, unexpected
experiences related to otherworldly phenomenon may occur, such as deja-vu, past-
life memories, or ghostly apparitions.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Buy a button-maker, and make buttons to sell at a craft
fair. Throw a party in a public place and invite strangers. Go Winter camping!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo, the full Moon on the 9th occurs in your sector of what’s hidden. You may find
yourself thinking of buried issues from childhood (or even a past life!) Expect an
increase in income and business opportunities. There may be a connection with an
institution like a hospital or court.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Organize your clothes by color instead of by item. Make
your own soap. Stay overnight in a cozy B&B.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
This is your year for romance, Libra! If you aren’t involved with someone now, you
will be soon. Jump into it now, before your ruler, Venus, turns retrograde in March.
This may mean bumps on the road of love, or it may bring past loves back into your
life. Either way, solidify your situation now.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Make a diorama with some of the fascinating, gratuitous
miniature stuff that you collect, and display it on your kitchen table. Go indoor rock
climbing. Respond to someone on Match.com and make their Valentine’s Day.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Those of you Scorps still smarting from your ruling planet Pluto’s demotion, take
note that it still plays a role in Astrology. "Whether he's a planet, an asteroid, or a
radioactive matzo ball, Pluto has proven himself worthy of a permanent place in all
horoscopes," says Shelley Ackerman on the web site Beliefnet.com. Pluto can
arouse transformation in our lives. Pluto rules intense energy, especially in the areas
we want to have control of.
Do you remember the February 1978 blizzard? Your humble astrologer was in
elementary school, and my father came to pick us kids up with his skis on. He had a
sled with him, too, and skied home, pulling us in the sled behind him. On an
optimistic note, here is a quote from Washington Irving: “Love is never lost. If not
reciprocated, it will flow back and soften the heart.”
To do on Valentine’s Day: Rent a Twilight Zone DVD. Make a doll out of old clothes
and stuff you have around the house. Practice each position in the Kama Sutra.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Celebrated on February 7th, The Gasparilla Festival is a big event in Tampa,
Florida. The first Gasparilla Festival in Tampa Bay was held in 1904. The tradition
includes a Pirate Invasion on Tampa as the pirate ship enters the channel and
docks. The Mayor surrenders the Key to the City of Tampa over to Captain of Ye
Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, which then sparks the Parade of the Pirates and the
Pirate Festival. In other news, Mars and Jupiter hook up in Aquarius on February
16th.This will be a week of expanding your world view. Friends and groups play a
large role. You may find romance with someone you meet through friends.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Buy a mini trampoline. Carve a horse out of soap.
Create a circus theme in your environment (clowns, leather-clad motorcycle riders,
water balloons, a tight wire act…) and then invite friends over to play Twister.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
This is Black History month! Here are 3 dates to celebrate: Student-organized sit-ins
like the February 1960 protest at Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North
Carolina, offered people an opportunity to display their opinion on segregation.
Protestors were encouraged to dress up, sit quietly, and occupy every other stool so
potential white sympathizers could join in. The success of the Greensboro sit-in led
to a rash of student campaigns all across the South. By the end of 1960 the sit-ins
had spread across America. February 9, 1971, pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige
became the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of
Fame. February 11, 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years.
Life may feel unsettled for you right now, Capricorns, and your confidence could be
shaken. Make sure you have forgiven those who have hurt your feelings in the past.
Acceptance of the inherent flaws in every person is one way to move forward in a
positive direction.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Go ice-skating. Start a snow globe collection and ask all
of your friends to give you snow globes to start it out. Fix something that is broken in
another’s person’s life.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
February is “Wild Bird Feeding Month”, Water Bearers. Aquarian aviator Charles
Lindbergh had this to say on the subject “…if I had to choose, I would rather have
birds than airplanes”. Happy 40th birthday to Jennifer Aniston on Feb. 11th! Happy
Birthday to my Aquarian friend Deirdre Nice on the 14th!
To do on Valentine’s Day: Go see “Einstein’s Universe” at the Southworth
Planetarium. Buy a friend something at Strange Maine. Bake a batch of muffins and
add an unusual ingredient - then have friends try to identify it.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You may need to manage your stress level this month, Pisces friends. Your dreams
are fired up, but limitations cause you frustration. Try adopting a mature approach to
the roadblock instead of going with your instinct (to smash it down in a fit of fury).
You don’t need to learn this lesson the hard way - go easy.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Participate enthusiastically in a friend’s hobby. Be extra
careful to stop at crosswalks. Melt your old crayons down and make a new candle.
January 22 - February 5
***Your curative colors ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries, you may be tempted to take on new challenges, but make sure to avoid any
haste this month. This is a good time for mergers and acquisitions. You can achieve
advancements in business matters like getting clearance for pending projects, or
investing in real estate (if you are interested in those opportunities). Don’t cut
corners on the research, though - i.e., check references. This is also a favorable
time to wrestle with outstanding issues (including legal matters) by adjudication and
conciliation. You may find love in the most unlikely situation this month. Be careful
with your friends and driving your car by the end of January.
Your color is: Red. Aries are drawn to warm colors like red and yellow. Like the
colors, you are affectionate, energetic, and extroverted. The color red is imbued with
strength, and yellow with logic and clear communication. If you’d like to add some
balance and gentleness to your life, try bringing lavender in. Wear lavender shirts
and buy some lavender colored sheets and towels.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Your involvement with the community and special interests will grow this month. You'll
be drawn back to career matters and issues of authority with Mercury in retrograde.
There'll be a sudden shift in relationships or someone you know will behave out of
character as Venus joins with Uranus the next day. The mood is light as the Sun and
Jupiter meet. January 26th brings a new moon and solar eclipse in the sign of
Aquarius. Watch your temper, and safety matters on January 27th as Mercury
retrograde joins with Mars. Impatience or confusion could get the better of you.
Taurus should avoid breaking the law right now. Be careful taking any offers coming
from unknown informants.
Your color is: Pink. Pink is the color of compassion, sensitivity, and inner peace.
Taureans also go for neutral colors like tans, grays and beiges. These are refined
and suit your need for elegance. You rarely go to any extreme with colors, but if you’
d like to stimulate your mental energy and sexual potency, choose orange. An
orange hat would enrich you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Expect intrigue in January. Provocative new ideas, offers, or unexpected trips may
raise your spirits during the last days of the month. Consider planning long-term
financial strategies during this period. Your intuition on business matters may prove
eerily spot-on. However, avoid crossing swords with superiors– even if you perceive
that you have been unjustly maligned- voice your grievance diplomatically.
Your color is: Silver. Silver embodies your quest for intellect and success. It is
symbolic of protective energy and justice. Surrounding yourself with silver may heal
digestive problems. If you’d like to achieve a higher state of mental clarity and focus,
try using blue.Blue curtains, pillowcases, or drinking glasses. How about blue elastics
on your braces?
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer should work on strengthening your relationships both at home and at work. If
possible, don't sign any serious settlements or business deals this month. Major
changes in your life may be on the horizon as early as January 30th. Take extra care
with safety in word and action. Don't get too stressed out and try not to interrupt
people. Extra cash may come in the form of bonuses, odd jobs, or an unexpected gift
from an elder. Be careful in dicey dealings; impulsive moves may prove imprudent.
Generally, financial matters don’t look great for Cancers this year, so avoid taking
unnecessary risks, and save money where you can.
Your colors are: Seagreen and blue-gray. Silvery colors appeal to you, as the
watery moon is your ruler. The moon correlates to the mind, and affects us during
each lunar phase. People who are unstable may experience the pull of the moon in
their brain fluids, pronouncing the symptoms of mental illness. This is how asylums
came to coin the term ‘lunatic’, seeing their inmates freak out during a full moon.
(Don’t wear too much blue or silver near a full moon, Cancers.) You also tend to like
dark colors, but if you need to toughen up your shell, try surrounding yourself with
red for a short time. Using pale yellows will help your finances (pale yellow signifies
mental alertness), and if you have a job interview, wearing beige or light blue will
impress.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Don't get upset over sudden events on Jan 22, for something that pops up
unexpectedly will depart the same way. Watch out for an unusual impulse or a burst
of temper. Either may confound everyone around you! Read this book: Dewey: The
Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. This true story is about a kitten
who was abandoned in a library book-return on a winter day in Iowa. “…no one could
imagine what changes this very extraordinary cat would bring to a town and a library
director -- both in need of some good news…this book is a lesson in love, devotion,
and a sense of community spirit.”
Your color is: Gold (surprise, surprise!) You like hot colors - reds, oranges and
yellows, too, but gold equals wealth and pride, and that’s you, Leo. Gold also reflects
your spiritual richness and refinement of your surroundings. If you’d like to attract
some calm and empathy into your life, use green to do that. Paint your walls green
or buy some green dishes. Dye your hair green if you are under 30.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
On January 26, 2009 the New Moon in Aquarius marks the beginning of New Year in
Chinese astrology. It’s the Year of the Brown Cow (or Ox). According to the Chinese
Fortune Calendar, brown is equivalent to Earth in Chinese Astrology Five Element
theory. The major element in Cow is Earth; the ground we walk on. They offer: “The
ground is very steady. It's required lots of energy to make it move. This implies the
difficulty to make a change in 2009. Earth is the land. Land is related to Real Estate
property. The major focus in 2009 will be the land-related issues. Hopefully, the Real
Estate market will be gradually stable. Certainly, it's necessary that people put extra
efforts and time to work on the problems.”
Virgos, you may be tempted to start lots of new activities in January, however, it
would be wise to avoid any unnecessary haste. The last week of January will reveal
your true goals.
Your color is: White. Earthy colors that are found in nature like browns, greens,
pinks and purples are also up your alley. White is the color of purity and of ridding
your mind of negative thoughts. If you’d like to form a deeper connection with your
loved ones, go for orange. Orange says that you are sensual and open to
closeness. Try orange underwear and scarves.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Late January has Mercury back in Capricorn, spreading confusion in matters
concerned with travel, communications, siblings or neighbors. If an old problem
reoccurs, talk through its origins and fix it. Stay alert in traffic. Don't take any new
important projects. Pay more attention to your home and family, respect your loved
ones. New ideas and possibilities will make you happy by the end of January. Peace
is on the way.
Your color is: Pale blue. Soft and feminine, you gravitate toward pastel colors.
Shades of blue are aligned with your ruling planet, Venus, since they represent
harmony and integrity. It’s possible to overuse blue, though, and enter the territory
of depressed or dispassionate. Try using peach or reds to show more affection and
joy. Interestingly, peach is the color of innocent love mixed with wisdom, and red is
the color of passion and attracts the most attention.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Though vicissitudes in career matters may plague you this month, you’ll handle them
in your typical Scorpionic fashion - by asserting your dominance over others. Avoid
unnecessary verbal duels, no matter how much you feel provoked. Talk softly, and
let your actions speak for you. Use caution considering new business ideas. Pay
more attention to domestic issues during the last ten-day period of the month.
Your color is: Black. Black is the mystery that you love being shrouded in, but
reflects the maturity, stability, and the inner peace that you seek. Maroon is a
secondary color that Scorpios crave. Maroon is symbolic of courage, bravery,
heroism, and strength. You should add some blue to your life to bring honesty and
mental clarity. If you are having any problems with your lungs or with fatigue, use
orange to help breathing and increase your energy level.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Clear communication and safety with machines will be necessary right now.
Someone may be hard to get through to. Don't let it be you. Sagittarius should be
careful making any financial maneuvers in January. The last week is great for
activities related to media and information.
Your color is: Purple. Noble and high-minded, purple represents your dignity,
superior intellect and strong values. Purple is indicative of devotion, kindness, and
compassion. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is associated with purple, also. Wearing
purple attracts like-minded people to you. If you want to bring monetary success into
your life, surround yourself with yellow for a while. Green is another color to try,
especially if you need any healing in your bones or joints.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The Solar Eclipse on January 26, 2009 is in the 13th degree Capricorn. This degree
is symbolized as “A tripod with flames of fire blazing froth from a brassiere.” This is a
degree of Aspiration and Higher goals. This eclipse is visible in the region covering
Southern Africa, India, Antarctica, South-East Asia, and Australia. Here’s some
unsolicited advice, Goats - focus on your hopes. The more you dwell on your
problems or worries, the more power you give them. And if you aren’t feeling
confidant, pretend that you are. Convincing others of your self-confidence could be
a first step.
Your color is: Dark green. Cool colors like blues, greens, and violets attract you
because they represent laid-back, self-sufficient, and emotionally controlled
personality traits. Earthy Browns are another Capricorn fallback. Brown denotes
worldliness, practicality, conservatism, and physical comfort. If you are suffering a
broken heart, surrounding yourself in olive green can heal it quickly. Olive green
symbolizes natural wisdom and Zen. Wearing white or orange can signal others to
treat you with kindness and compassion.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945), the thirty-second
President of the United States, was a central figure of the 20th century during a time
of world war and economic crisis. Roosevelt's presidency, according to biographer
Jean Edward Smith, "brought the United States through the Great Depression and
World War II to a prosperous future. He lifted himself from a wheelchair to lift the
nation from its knees." Let’s hope Obama leaves as powerful a legacy as FDR did.
The energy of the New Moon in Aquarius on January 26th will help you explore your
most bizarre dreams. It may also help you shape your plans for 2009. This New
Moon is special because at the same time the solar eclipse will take place. Be sure
to think positively and plan your future as soon as the New Moon starts in order to
attract success to your life.
Your color is: Turquoise, which signifies the universal friendship of human beings.
Turquoise is also symbolic of healing power and natural energy. You are someone
who wants to attract all different types of people and experiences into your life, so for
you, wearing multicolors and decorating your life with plentiful color is important.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
January 26th, Australia Day, is a national holiday begun in 1935. On Australia Day,
the status of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is recognized, as well
as the reconciliation of all Australians, understanding the past and how it affects the
lives of Indigenous people today.
In the week before Australia Day, at dawn, a group of Australians gather together to
express their vision for Australia. They tout the Australian values of “a fair go for all,
mateship, fair play, and a great sense of humour.” (www.australiaday.org) Australia
Day begins with the “Woggan ma gule - Morning Ceremony. Taking place in Sydney’
s Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Farm Cove, this area is considered an
important meeting site to the Gadigal people who once lived around the harbour…
(and is) a site where male initiation ceremonies were once conducted.”
Throughout the day there are various activities and events in every territory,
including a “Rural Fun Run” in Litchfield Shire, a “Comedy Debate”, flag raisings,
bbqs and games. The “Great Australia Day Duck Race” is popular, where people
pay to adopt a certain duck, and if the winning duck has your number, you win a
bicycle. There are Australia Day lunches in all states and a Gala Ball in the Northern
Territory, which are sponsored by Australia
Post. (Can you imagine the U.S. Postal Service Since it is also Chinese New Year,
and 2009 is the year of the niu, (the Chinese word for cow and ox). To celebrate,
Luna Niu (moon cow) there will be performances with this theme.
There is also a contest to sing the Aussie anthem. “Favourite entries will be played
live on Australia Day and will go down in the annals of history.” There will be awards
given, such as Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and
Australia’s Local Hero. Parties and concerts will go on all night.
For you, Pisces, travel or business matters take shape beginning January 21st.
January 26th brings a new moon and solar eclipse in Aquarius, marking the end of a
domestic situation, or bringing change to your household. Avoid arguments and
accidents on Jan 27. Family or neighbors may be testy, but stay calm. Luck or
opportunity is on its way to you, Pisces!
Your color is: Sea green. Green reflects your cheerful, friendly demeanor. Try
wearing light blue if you have to be around someone who is angry - it may calm them
down. If your feet are cold, wear red socks. To relieve stress, soak in a bath with
green, blue, or violet bath crystals.
January 8 - 21
***Getta Goal ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
On January 11th, 1964, cigarettes were first declared hazardous. This January, take
an inventory of any hazardous behavior you engage in. Do the benefits to you
outweigh the risks involved? Mercury is going retrograde in Aquarius from January
11th until February 14th, which may cause misunderstandings, flawed or delayed
communications, snafus, and malfunctions with electronics and technology. In
general, Mercury rules processing and disseminating information, and all means of
communication and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in
these areas, so if you are a writer, a computer hacker or a bus driver, expect some
glitches in the next few weeks!
Goals for 2009: Cloud Morris says “My 2009 goal is to do more stand-up-comedy in
front of bigger crowds for bigger laughs.” Shel Doyle wants to cook more and better.
Myra Robinson’s goal is “to spread the word about my band, Bluezberry Jam and do
more meditation to balance out all that excitement.” April Spring Evans says, “My
goal for 2009 is to let my hair down! Last year’s goal was to quit drinking coffee, and
since I actually reached that goal maybe I'll succeed with this year’s.” Justine Lynn
writes, “One of my goals is to help more people become successful in their own
home businesses while working together in harmony for the good of all.”
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
On January 12, 1915, a bill spearheaded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton to obtain a
women’s suffrage amendment to the Constitution was brought before the House of
Representatives, but was lost by a vote of 174 against 204. In 1919 both houses of
Congress finally passed the Nineteenth Amendment, after years of petitioning,
picketing, and protest marches. In 1920, Woodrow Wilson ratified it: “The right of
citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States or by any state on account of sex.”
Taurus - you can get ahead this month, especially if you are willing to take a partner
- just don’t let that person rush you into anything. You can make extra money if you
put your mind to it.
Goals for 2009: Alice Persons wrote, “Goals: 1) have more FUN and less worry. 2)
Support local artists, writers, and musicians.” Bob Lipps’ goal for 2009 is to stock up
on groceries, water, Pepsi, beer and wine. Michelle Neufeld’s goal is to start every
day with a smile and see more of her favorite local bands live! William Higgins says,
“My goal is to employ over 500 people.”
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Resist the temptation to gamble, as risks may not be profitable this month. Catch up
on overdue correspondence and help friends and loved ones find solutions to their
problems. This Full Moon on January 10th, your ruler Mercury is in Aquarius, so
expect some innovative thinking. People appreciate your questions. You may make
the acquaintance of folks who are somewhat eccentric.
Goals for 2009: Bonnie Blythe says, “ In 2009 I'd like to finish the Portland
Encyclopedia of the 1960's, 70's & 80's.” Rebecca Minnick wants to learn to make
really good bread. Amy Landry’s goal is to run a marathon and complete at least one
Olympic distance triathlon.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your quest for intellectual stimulation will propel you toward new horizons this
January, and you’ll discover things no one has ever imagined. Whether you're a
scientist, a poet, or a parent, this could be a breakthrough. Also, when Mercury is
retrograde, everyone thinks more introspectively. Deep into the ozone you go,
Crabs!
Goals for 2009: Robbie Kanner wants to learn how to knit. Jonathan Carr wants to
climb Mount Katahdin.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
This month Jupiter moves into Aquarius. According to Leigh Oswald of Artnet, Leo
Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th “corresponds with the Sun
conjuncting (reaching the same degree), his natal Jupiter (one day in a year) with
transiting Jupiter falling exactly opposite his natal Mercury in Leo, in the house of
work and service (once every 12 years) and simultaneously transiting Mercury
conjuncts his Jupiter, (one day in a year), in effectively what is a mutually receptive
line-up. This combination is likely to happen only once in a lifetime.”
In your own life, the desire to provide for others is very strong this month. You’ll have
some pleasant surprises regarding your work and finances.
Goals for 2009: Cara Hancock Slifka wants to remember people's names when she
is introduced to them. Jen Adams wants to commit to being vegetarian. Karl
Rawstron’s goal is to do more performance art in the Gorham Savings ATM in
Congress Square. Ben Chipman’s goals are to remember people’s birthdays and to
be more involved in music this year - more than just karaoke - maybe getting a band
together.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Celebrate Tyvendedagen on January 13th! Occurring twenty days after Christmas,
this holiday officially ends the Yuletide in the Kingdom of Norway (on the north coast
of Scandinavia reaching into the Arctic Circle). A similar custom exists in Sweden,
called Tjugondag Knut (the 20th day of Knut), when the tree is dismantled at a final
holiday party. The Full Moon in Cancer on January 10th will deepen your creativity
and compassion, and take a relationship to the next level. This will be the biggest
and brightest full moon of 2009; occurring at 10:27 pm EST. Stargazer experts say
that this close full moon is the third brightest of the 25-year period from 1993 to
2017.
Goals for 2009: Patrick Banks hopes to convince someone with the business know-
how and the work ethic to open up a 24-hour coffee shop. Olivia Sanders writes:
“My biggest goal to get the hell out of Maine. Ha! Maybe that's not the kind of thing
you'd print in a local Maine newspaper. That, and I'd like to learn a few new knitting
techniques.”
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Consider making residential changes; either moves or renovations could pay off.
The Full Moon in Cancer on January 10th indicates that flexibility regarding plans will
prove fruitful. Try to be spontaneous and live in the moment. One note of caution -
watch your step on the ice or in your bathtub. Keep your balance!
Goals for 2009: Kait Roe wants to exercise more. Jodi Leeman wants to take a trip
down south, learn another language and drink good wine. Tina Smith’s goals are
quitting drinking and smoking, doing yoga, and getting back into doing media arts.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The Full Moon falls on the 10th, and marks the closing of a chapter. Pluto becomes
a positive energy for Scorpios, enhancing your social skills. Be careful with what you
say or write - the ramifications may be far-reaching.
Travel may arise at the full moon, and you'll be heading to a new vista. Something
stellar is about to happen to you, Scorps. The monumental meeting of the Sun and
Jupiter in your home sector over January 23-24 is an annual occurrence that is your
luckiest time of the year!
Goals for 2009: Harlan Baker wants to hold onto his teaching gig at USM.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
On January 14th the Japanese celebrate Seijin-no-Hi, which honors the coming of
age of people who have turned 20 in the preceding year. A ceremony is held at city
offices where government officials give speeches, and small presents are handed
out to the new adults. After the ceremony, the new adults often go to parties or go
out drinking.
Jupiter will be visiting your home sector, Sagittarians. If you are thinking about
moving, this is a fantastic time, as Jupiter is the planet of good fortune and miracles.
Jupiter hasn’t been in your home and family sector since1997, so this domesticity will
feel new.
Goals for 2009: Marcus Thorne Bagala wants to record a CD in his living room,
release it and play some rocking gigs in Portland, and finish the song cycle he’s
composing! Nicholas Lamberto says “My goal is to eat fewer than 100 Twinkies this
year.”
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn Martin Luther King, Kr was only 39 when he was assassinated, but he left
us a wealth of inspiration. “Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical
violence, but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but
you refuse to hate him.” January 15th will be MLK’s 80th birthday. Mercury will begin
to
retrograde from January 11 and remain so until February 14, during which time you
will sense a slowdown in the world’s pace. You'll have time to reorient yourself and
gain insight into your own ego. The January 10th Full Moon in Cancer will have
people's emotions on high alert!
Goals for 2009: Alan McLucas wants to learn Italian.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
An uplifting astrological event is occurring now. Jupiter, after a year in Capricorn,
leaves that sign on January 5th and enters Aquarius, the sign of the future! It will
travel through Aquarius for one year, as it does every 12-years. Aquarians benefit
the most from this because Jupiter is the planet of expansion and confidence and,
whatever sign it’s in will underline the qualities of that sign for good. In Aquarius,
Jupiter will heighten the desire for freedom, tolerance, innovation, technological
advances, social responsibility, idealism, reform, and even radical revolution. It will
also intensify the pressing need to work for a sustainable global future. If pushed to
excess, Jupiter in Aquarius will encourage rebellion against any authority and will
stoke the flame of extremists (watch out for anarchy)!
On a lighter note, if you are looking to move, or want to renovate your home, this is
your year to do it. You may also find a beautiful piece of furniture or other home
goods. Jupiter brings luck, so expect to find incredible bargains.
Goals for 2009: Monique Bidwell - Make music my job (and still love it!).
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
January 14th is Makar Sankranti, a Hindu and South Indian winter solstice festival
celebrating Pongal. Pongal marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan - sun's
journey northwards. Pongal festival lasts for four days, and includes swinging &
cooking delicious Pongal, which is sweet rice cooked in a new earthenware pot.
According to the ritual, this Pongal rice is allowed to boil and spill over. Once the rice
is cooked, cashew nuts and raisins are added and fried in ghee. Then it is offered to
the Sun God on a new banana leaf along with other traditional delicacies, like vadas
or payasam. Some people go to their plots of land to spray some of the Pongal water
on their fields for good luck. In 2009, Pisces will explore new dimensions as the
intensely charged Aquarius energy offers you expansive dreams.
You can also expect to see an upturn in your career when the Sun and Jupiter meet
on January 23-24. The Sun rules your house of career status and promotion, so you
may receive praise and respect at work!
Goals for 2009: Alicia Hottinger Fisher says
"My goal is to push myself over the edge of consciousness and into the world of
words that write themselves. I want to machete my way through the alphabet!
December 23 - January 7
***Advice by the Stars ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries Chris from Washington D.C. writes: “I have grown out a beard and mustache
for the first time, and I am on the fence as to whether I like it. Hardly anyone else
has said they like it; in fact I get the sense that most people do NOT like it. However
this just makes me want to keep the beard more. Am I being petulant?”
-Yes, and that is your nature. I suspect that people are resistant to change. They will
get used to it, and then if you shave, they will be equally as tight-lipped with the
compliments because they need an adjustment period. If there comes a time when
you decide you want to shave, you will know it, and it will be an obvious decision.
Until then, make sure you wipe your face copiously during and after meals!
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus Michael from Munjoy Hill asks: “I've been trying to complete an arts-
related video project, but can no longer put my own money into it. Is this a good time
to seek grants funding?”
-Yes, this is an excellent time, Michael. Don’t wait long, either! A conjunction between
assertive Mars and powerful Pluto on December 28th will stoke your tenacious
streak. You will take some dramatic steps toward setting a new course for the year.
Taurus Daniel from Portland Stage asks: “My apartment needs some desperate
cleaning and tho I am well-meaning, I procrastinate and it's becoming installation art.
Any inspirational ides on how to start?”
-Daniel, when I am having a tough time with something, I ask my friends to help me
out. My suggestion is to have a “cleaning party” and make it a fun time. Offer food &
drinks and play music, but have a big piece of paper on the wall with chores that
need to be done on it. Then have your friends pick one dirty job to accomplish
before they leave. Make sure you have on hand: glass cleaner, Lysol, dish soap,
garbage bags, paper towels, rags, or sponges.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Gemini Johanna from Portland asks: “What is the meaning of life in the universe?”
-What do you think this is, Johanna, The New York Times? The question itself, as
well as any answer, is shaped by your culture. People, events, and beliefs in the life
of a person can have meaning as parts of a whole, but a complete meaning of life
itself can’t be empirically stated. Chekhov professed, "All of life and human relations
have become so incomprehensibly complex that, when you think about it, it becomes
terrifying and your heart stands still." Ask people what they think the meaning of life
is, and you’ll get a variety of answers: to do good; to attain spiritual enlightenment; to
love, to feel, to enjoy the act of living; one should not seek to know the meaning of
life; life has no meaning…As a Gemini, you enjoy exploration and are inquisitive and
open-minded to many belief systems. You are the most likely sign to seek out the
meaning of life. Bon chance, mes amis!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Missy, a Cancer from North Carolina would like to know: “How in the world will I
ever keep up with my email and stay sane? Also, if I don't forward the emails that say
‘Forward this to ten friends in the next ten minutes’ -- will I really have bad luck?”
-Missy, I’d suggest answering e-mails immediately after you read them, and as briefly
as possible. Delete any e-mails that request you to forward them to friends. Don’t
even spend a second thinking about it - for some people, those chain letters may be
a source of entertainment (or superstition), but for you they are a time-suck you don’
t need to engage.
Aimsel, a Cancer, asks: "Any suggestions on how I can decrease my level of
procrastination?"
-You should make a to-do list every morning and put it where you can see it. Then,
pretend that someone you respect and admire is watching your every move. Or
pretend that you are being filmed for a reality show and you want to look like a hard
worker.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Susan from Portland writes: “I have a roommate crush. (Gasp!) I'm a Cancer &
he's a Leo. We're both single but I'm worried about boundaries. He's pretty shy but
seems pretty receptive to the hints I've been dropping. We've been spending a lot
of time together when I'm there-- I'm gone a lot but when I pop in he comes
downstairs to see me. We go out together fairly often too. Is acting on this totally
wrong?”
-Your feelings and your pride are easily wounded by criticism or lack of appreciation
from the people you care about. There can be an extremely loving bond between
Cancer and Leo, though your temperaments are quite different. Leo is very proud
and wants appreciation and respect from a partner. Cancer wants to be needed and
desires sympathy, tenderness, and emotional support from a partner. Leo has
difficulty accepting and expressing needs, sadness, or weakness, and is
uncomfortable when Cancer has insecurities, weaknesses, or is moody. Leo is the
more dominant of the two of you and is likely to take the lead in your relationship.
Owing to this fact, I would advise you to wait him out. Let him make the first move - if
he doesn’t, leave it in the roommate realm.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo Ed from The West End asks: "I'm going to be moving soon - what should I
throw away out of the stuff I've been accumulating over the last 20 years?"
-Okay, Ed, here’s the poop: Keep anything that could be worth money down the line,
including collectors items, political memorabilia, or keepsakes from your childhood.
You can chuck out any old paperwork from college, and financial papers from before
2001, and any old ATM slips. What about personal correspondence like old birthday
cards from your nephews? My advice is to toss the envelopes and consolidate the
cards into as tight a bundle as possible. If they take up more room than one
shoebox, save only one or two from each person and recycle the rest.
Virgo Rachel from Portland’s question is: “My boyfriend and I have been together
for 2 years. He lives 45 minutes away and hates Portland. I own my home and in
these economic times couldn't sell it. Are we doomed?”
-Well first of all, I’m suspicious of anyone who hates Portland. That’s a red flag right
there, but let’s assume he has a legitimate reason not to want to live here. Have you
tried a 2-2-3 arrangement? That’s where you spend two nights at his place, two
nights at your place, and three nights apart. Finally, ask yourself how happy you are
when you are at his place versus how happy you are in your own home (in a rockin’
city, I might add), and you may have your answer.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Jean, a Libra from Watertown’s question is: “In my retirement, should I put more
emphasis on doing good deeds or just having fun?”
-Jean, I suspect, as a Libra, you already know the answer to your question. Perhaps
you are testing your astrologer’s skills, or maybe you need a second opinion. Either
way, the clear truth is that there must be a balance between the two pursuits. Libras
strive for balance, equity and equilibrium. Ideally, the good deeds would
simultaneously be fun for you, but if they are not, do them anyway. Plan one
frivolous activity to counter one good deed.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio Matt from Portland wants to know why he can’t seem to leave Portland
even though he keeps trying, and why he’s still single.
-Matt, unfortunately, Scorpios are often too myopic and pessimistic to manifest a
better destiny. My guess is that you are perpetuating a self-fulfilling prophecy of
misery. You also may be ensnared in the duality of moving away versus staying
here, and no potential partner wants to meet someone who has one foot out the
door! My advice is to reach out to everyone in your life, from neighbors, to family
and friends, close and faraway. Among one of them, you may find a kindred soul
who helps you get where you want to be.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Natalie from Munjoy Hill asks: “Sometimes I get totally bored and wonder if this is
all there is. Can you tell me if there are any exciting adventures left for me in the
world?”
-It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, Natalie. Scorpios are notoriously moody,
but if you continue this way you should consider anti-depressant medication. In
answer to your question, yes, there many more adventures in store for you,
especially once the weather gets warm and you can play outside again!
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn Tami from the public relations trenches asks: "I have been burning
the candle at both ends at work and there is no end in sight. How can I get the work
I need to get done and find a better balance in 2009?"
-Wow, I’m exhausted just reading your question, Tami! Capricorns are concerned
with things that are practical and worthwhile, and they need to feel useful and
effective in the real world in order to be satisfied with their lives. They have a strong
sense of society, and they feel most secure when they feel they are doing their part
within that framework. Turn to your Capricorn friends for help when you need to
really get things done. They'll have practical advice, and they'll help you organize
and manage your life a little better. Capricorns are generally good with their "word",
and are dependable, loyal people. What I’d suggest is making a master list of
everything you committed to in 2008. Then rank each thing in order of how much fun
it was. Take the last thing on the list and pledge to yourself that you won’t take that
on in 2009. If you need to delegate it, pawn it off Tom Sawyer-style (convince your
friends that it’s so much fun that they should do it for you!)
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Grace from Portland writes: “One of my best friends never calls me - I always have
to call her, and lately she hasn’t even been returning my calls. She always says she’
s busy. Should I take this to mean she doesn’t want to be friends anymore?”
-Grace, I can understand your frustration with your friend. She may genuinely be
busy, or she may want a break from the friendship. I would wait until she contacts
you, and maybe let her know that it hurts your feelings when she doesn’t call back.
Your forecast for January 2009 says to keep in touch, as good communications
bring opportunity and financial success.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Alex from Massachusetts asks: “I'm a Pisces. Should I go along to get along, or
should I swim against the tide?”
-Pisceans often feel like they are being pulled in different directions, making it
difficult to make concrete decisions.You can also adapt easily to your environment
and often don’t mind going along with the status quo. My advice is to gauge how
happy you are just swimming along with the others. The stars tell me that in 2009,
Pisces will be all about people. People, people, people. You will be around a lot of
like-minded people, and may not have any reason to swim against the tide.
Sarah from the USM area wants to know if it is smart for her to be going to grad
school for a Masters in social work in the fall.
-Sarah, I just advised Alex that social interaction will be key for Pisces next year, so
that could be an indicator that you are headed in the right direction. Pisces are
gentle, patient and impressionable. They are highly sympathetic and are drawn to
work for charitable causes and social services. They are friendly, generous,
compassionate, kind and sensitive towards others. They tend to be tactful towards
any suffering they encounter. They accept the people and situations that surround
them. Rather than taking an initiative towards solving the problem they might be
facing, they may choose to wait patiently for the problems to sort themselves out.
Pisces personalities are apt to be more concerned about the problems of others
than their own. Because of this, I caution you to keep close tabs on your emotional
health while you are doing social work. If it starts dragging you down or
overwhelming you, change jobs before you make yourself ill.
Astrologer’s note: To submit questions, please e-mail them to
thewestendnews@yahoo.com with your first name, location, and astrological sign.
December 10-December 24
***Money Saving Tips ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
In the sweep of holiday excitement, you have a restless energy you may find
confusing. Possibly your antsy-ness comes from a lack of adventure or challenge of
late. Try to keep physically active, and plan a daring getaway soon!
Tip: A microwave oven can rejuvenate foods and various items. Zapping a roll of old
masking tape will make it stick again, and will make a lemon give more juice when
squeezed. Also, buy two-ply toilet paper and pull the sheets apart… or use junk
mail! Just remember to remove any staples or plastic faux credit cards before use.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Feeling like hibernating for the winter? Take some proactive steps to combat this
urge. Open yourself up to new experiences and an awakening of one of your senses
that has been operating on status quo for too long.
Tip: Dryer balls are sold for about $5 each in the laundry section. Use tennis balls
instead. Besides speeding up dryer time, they plump up anything like down coats or
comforters. To avoid the noise, use an old pair of pants, tie each leg closed at the
cuff with strong string, drop a tennis ball in each leg, and tie the leg to capture the
tennis ball at the bottom of each leg. Also, save your bar soap slivers and put them
all in the mesh bag you get onions in, or in an old pair of pantyhose. When you get
enough, they’ll form a whole new bar of soap!
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Pluto’s move into Capricorn on the 26th spells for Geminis a newfound interest in
something intellectual. Narrow your focus if you feel overwhelmed. You have an
ability to impress others with your knowledge.
Tip: Uses for Vinegar (Apple Cider or White): Underarm odor control: Equal parts
vinegar / water, Spray under arms after bathing. Another deodorant: rub pine
needles under your arms! Also, cut open a toothpaste tube with a razor blade to get
the last little bit out.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Everything changes - try not to struggle so hard against it all.
Tip: All beauty products have the same basic and natural ingredients: Olive Oil,
Joba Oil, Coconut Oil, Honey, Sunflower oil.... you can get all of this at a health food
store, in bulk. Make a little at a time to keep it fresh. The coconut oil is about $8 and
you can eat it, cook with it, and rub it all over ...same with the olive oil, and honey.
Take a bit of each, mix well, put it in a recycled container. The honey could be
warmed to mix...or add other ingredients of choice, like essential oils for smell, then
put on your hair for shine and conditioning; put on your face for nutrition and
smoothing of wrinkles, and rub as an all-over body lotion. Put in the fridge so it
solidifies.
Also, try reusing coffee grounds. The second or third pot of bland, watery coffee isn’t
so bad if you think about something else while you’re drinking it.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Are you trying to hold onto something you’ve outgrown and don’t need anymore?
Ask yourself if it’s even something you want anymore. Maybe you can let it go soon.
Tip: Create a magazine swap with your friends. Once a month, get together and
have a party where you trade periodicals. If it’s popular, you could expand it to
bringing in anything to swap!
Also, for presents, you could buy gift cards that you know the recipient will likely not
use. But before you give the gift card, use up most of the money. If the recipient ever
gets around to using it, he will probably blame the store, not the gift-giver.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The entertainer in you will sparkle near the Winter Solstice on December 21st. You’ll
have a short-lived but strong urge to turn everything into a positive. You’ll be making
lemonade out of lemons and apple wine out of rotten apples…
Tip: For cheap gifts, consider making gift bags, and putting in:
-Joke book and whoopee cushion
-DVD, wine and popcorn
-Pack of cards and six-pack of lager/beer
-Paperback book and box of chocolates
-Hair ties and hairbrush or shampoo
-Disposable camera or film and photo album
For a friend who loves sewing, make up a patchwork basket, containing a template
for the shapes, ready-cut squares or hexagons of fabric, threads, needles,
pincushion or scissors.
Two mugs, special tea bags, mini pots of honey and marmalade make a breakfast
basket, or mugs, hot chocolate, and a lavender sachet make a goodnight basket.
Finally if you have no cash at all, write or print out some coupons offering your time
for babysitting, housework, gardening, being a slave for a day - whatever you can
handle.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
December brings you an incredible lineup of planets. You will have much to
celebrate, and some happy surprises as well. If you are buying or selling real estate,
it will come through at December’s end. If you are expecting an addition to the family,
or a sum of money, it will also come at this time. You may have some minor
frustrations at deadlines or things that need to be rushed, but that pales in
comparison to all that is going right for you!
Tip: Buy the least expensive, scoopable cat litter, then add a small box of baking
soda and mix it in. This little orange box runs about 37 cents, and completely
eliminates odors for a fraction of the cost of the name-brand litters.
Ground corn also works. It clumps well, has a soft texture and is non-toxic. After
scooping out the waste, the remaining corn litter may be put into the compost or
tossed around the yard for fertilization. Ground corn may be purchased at feed
stores, farm and ranch supplies and many nurseries for about $6 to $8 for a 50-
pound bag. Be sure to ask for ground corn, not corn meal. You can also use horse
bedding as cat litter. It is scoopable, economical and is 100% biodegradable. It
consists of natural wood fibers, and can be purchased cheaply at a grain and feed
store.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Though you usually have a fiery personality, this energy could find you burning for a
new outlet to blow off steam. The world that surrounds us is full of adventures waiting
to be explored. You know that new Jim Carrey movie where he says YES to
everything? You should say YES to one thing every day that you would not normally
have done. Do it, do it, do it.
Tip: Scrap the wrap. Why pay for something people throw away immediately? Save
yourself money by wrapping gifts in newspaper, paper bags, or paper towels! Also,
houseplant cuttings that you grow and put into a pretty pot make great gifts! Also, if
you need an umbrella or a hat, scarf, or gloves, go to the public library and ask for
the lost and found box. Tell them that you left your black [item] there. They will likely
have a selection of black [items]. Take your pick!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Happy Birthday to two of my Archer friends: Katie Brown and Fritz Lewis! There is a
supercharged Full Moon in Gemini on December 12th. Try talking really fast all day
and see what happens… The Winter Solstice on December 21st will be a time to let
go of old expectations for what your life was supposed to be, and to take stock of
what your current hopes, dreams, and desires are.
Tip: Drop a tealight candle in a glass jar, tie a holiday ribbon around the neck, and
you have a beautiful candle. You could nestle the candle in peppermints, nuts, or
even sand if you wish. Try grouping several together for a dramatic evening effect.
This makes a cheap decoration or gift!
Also, try ditching your overpriced home and live in your car. Make sure to move your
car at least every few nights to a different part of town so as not to arouse suspicion.
Shower at the gym or office and eat for free at parties, events, and from samples at
supermarkets.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Happy Birthday on December 26th to writer David Sedaris. Thanks for cracking us
up, and thanks for coming to Fritz’s art show. Capricorns - hold tight to your integrity
this month. A temptation for recklessness, cutting corners, or questionable behavior
may arise.
Tip: LED Christmas lights use approximately 90% less electricity than conventional
incandescent bulbs. Besides the beauty and intensity of their colors, LED Christmas
lights have several other distinct advantages too. They generate almost no heat; so
the risk of your tree catching fire is greatly reduced, and because LED's last for
10,000 to 20,000 hours before burning out, you may never need to replace them!
Also, if your bed is chilly, skip that extra blanket in favor of newspapers. Put some
West End Newses between your mattress and box spring to heat your bed!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You’ll be tapping into a hidden reserve of energy and passion this month.
Tip: Fight insurance claim denials. Experts say that 70% of health-insurance claim
appeals are successful. Also, try borrowing stuff from your neighbors! Instead of
going out to buy a new gadget or food for your family, try asking your neighbor for it
first. They may not only have what you need, but they will be delighted to be asked.
You can easily save $100 a year.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Group responsibilities weigh heavily on you. Get those things taken care of now, and
then plan some mirth and revelry at the end of the month.
Tip: Convenience items may offer some extra convenience, but at what cost? Before
you pick up that instant product, check how much you’re paying per ounce of food,
as well as how much extra effort you’ll really need to cook the instant item compared
to the non-instant variety.
i.e. The instant original flavor oatmeal comes 12 packets to a box. Instructions are
pretty simple. Just pour one packet in a bowl, add 2/3 cups of water or milk, and
microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. This instant oatmeal costs $4.39 for 12
packets or 37.2 cents per ounce of cereal. The less expensive regular original flavor
Quaker oatmeal is packaged in the original shaped tub. You measure 1/2 cup of
oatmeal from the tub, add a cup of milk or water, and microwave on high for 1 1/2 to
2 minutes. The cost $3.29 or 18.3 cents per ounce of cereal.
Also, cut your own hair ! Anyone with a pair of scissors can call themselves a
hairdresser. Go on and try it. You could save hundreds of dollars!!!
November 26 - December 10
***Blind Spots ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your career is going high profile and will become challenging. Focus your attention
on long-range goals, particularly if connected to overseas and academic issues, or
just related to the pursuit of wisdom.
Your blind spot is: You run on adrenaline and have trouble viewing your
successes and failures objectively. You feel like you always have to prove yourself
or one-up yourself. You’re in perpetual competition mode.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Intense communications and dealings are in your cards. Pluto moving into Capricorn
on November 27th for the next 16 years is very good for Taurus. Right now, you
have a chance to strut your stuff as you reach the culmination of a certain part of
your life.
Your blind spot is: You see change as negative and frightening, so you cling to
what is familiar. What you perceive to be threatening disaster may actually be an
opportunity.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Pluto’s move into Capricorn on the 26th spells for Gemini’s a freedom from a two-
year cycle of power struggle. Now you need to figure out where to go from here.
What does your independent self want to become?
Your blind spot is: You’re so busy accumulating information and playing Devil’s
Advocate that you become inconsistent in your own personality. Have you heard that
old adage, “If you’re open to everything, you’ll fall for anything.”?
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Do you want to know what kind of winter we’ll have? The Farmer’s Almanac says that
one predictor is to watch a chipmunk or squirrel bury a nut in the fall. The deeper
they bury it, the longer and colder the winter will be. That could be a great after-
Thanksgiving ritual: take your family out to lurk in the freezing cold yard and wait for
nut-buryers! Who needs football? As far as your horoscope, you may be frustrated
with the direction your career is taking. Aside from the financial component, are the
spiritual and emotional rewards high enough? There are hard choices to be made.
Your blind spot is: You don’t like to be uncomfortable, so you cling to your comfort
zone. You get sentimental over things you could let go of. You also hide from your
real feelings if they are painful, and you retreat into a protective shell.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
The enthusiastic New Moon on November 27th will prod your creative side and your
flair for drama. Soak up the spotlight! The first week of December shows
revitalization to a partnership. A spark in your romantic life, maybe?
Your blind spot is: Your hubris will not allow you to acknowledge your blind spot,
even when it’s pointed out to you! Overconfidence can turn into egomania if you don’
t check it.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The New Moon on Thanksgiving night will inspire you to either begin a new project,
or take something up that you haven’t done in years. Also, December 5th is
International Volunteer Day! Here are some suggestions from the website www.
worldvolunteerweb.org of ways to promote volunteering:
Distribute a list of all the services which would not exist without volunteers.
Lobby for adoption of legislation designed to promote volunteering.
Launch a local directory of volunteer organizations
Your blind spot is: You like to be ready for what’s in store. A quintessential Boy
Scout, you’re prepared for anything. Is there a thing as preparing too much? Yes,
Virgo, you can miss out on experiencing life when you are stocking up first aid kits
for every drawer in every room of your house.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You have some strong opinions, Libra, and you’ll make an excellent case for them
this month. Speaking of which, December is National Drunk Driving Prevention
month. Started in 1981, this campaign includes the slogan “Friends Don’t Let
Friends Drive Drunk”. You can help by reminding people how dangerous it is to
drive buzzed.
Your blind spot is: You’re a people-pleaser to excess. If you consistently put the
needs of others over your own, you are telling yourself that you are not the most
important person in your life.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
There will be synchronization between your creative skills, your charm and money!
Shift your vision from the past to the future, and focus on the potential of what you
could accomplish.
Your blind spot is: You are a slave to your emotions. If you feel anxious,
depressed, jealous, or any other negative emotion, it colors your entire life, including
your interactions with others and the way people see you. You don’t want to be the
sad sack of every party, do you?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Happy 47th Birthday on November 28th to Jon Stewart, whose “Daily Show” is the
primary source of news for many Americans. The New Moon in your sign on
November 27th may embolden you to sign-up for things you’ve previously forgone.
Stars say you will have holiday cheer coming out of your eyeballs this December.
Bring the rest of us some mistletoe!
Your blind spot is: You relish your freedom by shirking responsibility and structure.
This can limit your finding meaningful and satisfying ventures just as much as being
hemmed in might.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Your intuition will be speaking to you in the final days of November. You may get a
stroke of genius, or a revelation about which way to go in a dilemma. If the news
affects other people, don’t spill the beans until you’ve told the people involved. On
another note, on December 7th, Guatemala celebrates Burning the Devil. They take
their old mattresses out to the street, and pile papers and trinkets on them. Then as
night falls, they set it on fire. They believe that the devil hides in the corners of the
houses among old things, within garbage, and that the fire makes the devil burn in
his very own inferno.
This purification ritual allows Guatemalans to begin the Christmas season with a
clean home. Without the pyrotechnic hazard, is this an idea you could implement in
your own home?
Your blind spot is: You thrive on achieving success. You love to be in control and
to feel indispensable. You have a lack of faith in other people to do things properly.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You may need to filter out a lot of thoughts and information whizzing through your
brain. Most of that stuff should not be dwelled on, but the trick is to hold on to the
few worthwhile facts, ideas, and inspirations that come to you. On Thanksgiving,
light a candle for the New Moon in Sagittarius, and write down all of the things you
want to happen over the next month. Put the list away and look at it again at
December’s end.
Your blind spot is: you’re so proud of being unorthodox that you rebel against
everything, even some of the good stuff. You also exhaust yourself trying so fiercely
to be independent and resisting going with the group. Choosing your battles and
saving your energy for the important ones might help.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Despite your conviction that you’re on the right path to a solution, you are actually
headed into a bat-infested cave! Your friends are warning you to get off that path,
and if you don’t listen to the, you’ll deserve the rabies and histoplasmosis
you’ll contract. This Thanksgiving, surround yourself with many people, not just one.
Your blind spot is: Unlike Cancer, you don’t hide from uncomfortable feelings, and
will even cause yourself heartache just to experience it. You have a need to live your
dreams, which requires effort and creativity.
November 12 - November 26
***Historic Events***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your natural enthusiasm may lead to restlessness this month. Make sure your
lightning bolt of energy is aimed in a positive direction. You are ready for a new
adventure!
November 12, 1859 Jules Leotard performs the first Flying Trapeze circus act in
Paris. He also designed the garment that bears his name.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Are you looking for shortcuts? Demand specific answers from authority figures and
set firm time limits for projects. A business venture may soon need to end or be
dramatically changed. Ask colleagues to seriously consider your suggestions.
November 13, 1895 The first shipment of canned pineapple was sent from Hawaii to
the continental U.S. It was produced by the Dole company.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You’ll be taking some risks with some fun-loving people this month, if the stars are
telling the truth. Your uniquely creative approach will be rewarded this month.
November 14, 1889 Intrepid journalist Nellie Bly begins 72-day trip around the
world.
November 14, 1906 Roosevelt becomes 1st US President to visit a foreign country
(Panama).
November 14, 2003 The most distant object ever found in our solar system, named
Sedna, was discovered by astronomers.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your daily routine may feel stifling to you right now. If you need some motivation to
accomplish all of your chores, pretend that you’re being filmed on a reality show and
whoever finishes their work first wins a million dollars. AND everyone you know is
watching.
Nov. 24, 1874 Joseph F Glidden patents barbed wire.
Nov. 25, 1867 Alfred Nobel invents dynamite.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Use some extra caution mid-November if you are working around your house. For
example, keep your area well- ventilated if you’re using products with fumes. Do
some stretching before and after working, especially if you’re using different muscle
groups than you usually do.
November 25, 1999 Elian Gonzales was rescued off the coast of Florida. The 5-
year-old boy, his mother and 14 other Cubans were trying to flee Cuba in a small
motorboat. Gonzalez, who floated on an inner tube for two days before he was
found, was one of three survivors. Relatives in Miami took in the boy and pleaded
with the government to allow him to remain in the U.S. His father, Juan Miguel
Gonzalez, claimed the boy's mother kidnapped him and asked that he be returned to
Cuba.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You’ll have an extra dose of charisma this month that will attract others to you. Be on
the lookout for a chance encounter that could prove beneficial.
November 25, 1977 David Steed balanced stationary on a bike for 9 hrs 15
minutes. I could not find out any more details about this event. If anyone knows,
please contact me! (thewestendnews@yahoo.com)
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You may be drawn into a contentious situation between neighbors or relatives. If
possible, stay out of it.
November 20, 1947 "Meet the Press" makes network TV debut on NBC
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Don’t let your clutter get out of control. Stay on top of physical clutter, but also
mental clutter. Make a to-do list and prioritize. You may have a moneymaking
venture on the horizon. If you’re going into a business partnership, make sure your
partners are trustworthy by checking their references.
Nov. 26th 1991 Condoms are handed out to thousands of NYC high schoolers,
becoming the first city in the country to make condoms available to public high
school students.
The program was inaugurated at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, but Schools
Chancellor Joseph Fernandez expanded the program to all NYC high schools. On
November 26th, gym teachers passed out two condoms to any student who asked,
along with an instruction sheet and a card warning that condoms can break and that
abstinence is the only sure way to avoid AIDS. The manufacturers of Trojan and
Ramses brands donated 400,000 condoms to the schools to begin the program.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
You may be headed for a temporary retreat from the world. Mars in your sign mid-
November will fuel your ambition, but you’ll feel more like hanging out alone or with a
quiet friend than socializing. Your work will consume much of your time and energy
this month.
November 18, 2003 The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage
into the state constitution. Despite Gov. Romney’s efforts, Massachusetts has
upheld that ruling.
Connecticut is now the only other state that performs gay marriages.
November 18, 1307 William Tell shoots apple off his son's head. The king had set
a hat on a pole as symbol of imperial power, and ordered everyone who passed by
to bow before it. As the story goes, a mountaineer named Wilhelm Tell boldly passed
by pole without bowing, and was arrested. His punishment was to shoot an apple off
the head of his son in one shot, or else both would be executed. Tell had no choice
but to obey. The apple was placed on the child's head; Tell amazed the crowd by
piercing the apple flawlessly. The guard noticed that Tell, had a second arrow at the
ready. “It was for you,” said the sturdy archer. “Had I shot my child, know that it would
not have missed your heart.”
I think it would have made a nicer story if he’d said, “…know that it would not have
missed my own heart”, but oh well, happy ending anyway.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Confidential negotiations may lead to an opportunity for you next month. Listen
closely to what is being said behind the scenes and on the down-low.
November 19, 1959 Ford cancels the Edsel
November 19, 1990 Milli Vanilli's Grammy Award was rescinded after it was
discovered they didn't do their own singing
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
With your work life in overdrive this month, you’ll soon be craving some holiday
cheer. Look forward to a New Moon in Sagittarius on November 27th, which will
herald a period of friends and fun for you!
November 18, 1913 Lincoln Deachey performs 1st airplane loop-the-loop
November 18, 1996 Expert on exotic birds is sentenced for smuggling parrots.
Tony Silva, a world-renowned expert and outspoken bird protector, is sentenced to
seven years in prison for leading an illegal parrot smuggling operation. Silva's
indictment and guilty plea shocked the international community of academic experts,
conservationists, and zoologists, who had known and respected him as a bird lover.
Silva's reputation tanked when he was accused of smuggling 557 exotic birds, worth
millions. The U.S. District Court Judge was horrified by the brutal treatment of the
birds during the smuggling operations, and imposed one of the most severe
sentences ever for bird smuggling. In addition to the 82-month prison term, she fined
Silva $100,000 and ordered him to perform 200 hours of community service after his
prison term.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Expect a vigorous atmosphere at work through December. You’ll have opportunity
for recognition and praise when the moon is new on November 28th.
Nov. 26th 1865 Alice in Wonderland published. The entire print run sold out quickly.
Alice was a publishing sensation, beloved by children and adults alike. Among its
first avid readers were young Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria. The book has never
been out of print. One of the few surviving copies of the 1865 first edition was
recently auctioned off for $1.5 million.
October 29 - November 12
***Voting by the Stars
-Part Two***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
The seventy-ninth anniversary of Black Tuesday is on October 29. Black Tuesday
was the culmination of our huge stock market crash. The crash was the start of the
Great Depression, a period of poverty in the industrialized nations. It took about 25
years to recover. As for you, Rams, you have an astute balance of optimism with
realistic goals in sight.
Aries candidates: Tom Allen, Chellie Pingree, and candidate for School
Committee At-Large Liz Holton are Rams. Rosa Alicia Clemente, born April 18th,
1972, is a journalist, community organizer, and hip-hop activist. She is the Green
Party Vice Presidential candidate.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
If you have achieved a sense of oneness and harmony with the earth, you won’t feel
pressure to get more and more money and more and more possessions. If you’re
not at that place of harmony yet, you may have a void that needs filling. No matter
where you are on the “oneness with earth” spectrum, remember that you have a
positive effect on other people’s lives. They become inspired by your inner sense of
calmness and peace and wisdom.
Taurus candidates: Marnie Morrione, who is a write-in candidate for School
Committee District 5, and Charlie Harlow, District 116 candidate for House Rep. are
Bulls.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Sharp thinking will save you from getting off track. The Saturn-Uranus opposition
that is coming in the first week of November is a powerful alignment. In astrology,
Saturn is associated with restriction, self-control, boundaries and limitation. Uranus is
the planet of the unexpected. It is forward-looking, and celebrates originality. Uranus
governs technology, discovery, progressive ideas and rebelliousness.
If you see this opposition in the planets energy coming, you can be careful not to get
carried away with conflicting emotions at this time. Don’t say I never warned you
about anything.
Gemini candidates: Matthew Gonzalez (born June 4, 1965) is a lawyer, and
political activist in San Francisco. He was one of the first Green Party candidates
elected to public office in the Bay Area. Gonzales is the running mate of Independent
presidential candidate Ralph Nader.
Water board candidate Ben Meiklejohn is also a Gemini.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Make sure to do reference checks on anyone you are about to do business with.
Lookout for lucky chance encounters!
Cancer candidates: Stephen Lovejoy, candidate for House District 115 was born
June 22nd. Phil Haskell, candidate for District 117, was born June 23rd. David
Fernald, running for HD 114 was born June 24th. Also Justin Costa, write-in
candidate for School Committee District 4, was born July 18th. Crabs feel a strong
urge to protect their family, community, and homeland. Political office is a natural
choice for them, along with childcare, the arts and the medical profession.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
An increase in social energy may find your priorities favoring parties over business.
Developing new friendships and making changes to your daily routine may actually
be good for you. Pay attention to ideas from loved ones or fresh social plans from
friends. You also may experience an increase in family and home issues.
Leo candidates: House District 120 candidate Diane Russell and District 115
candidate Michael Hiltz are Leos. Barack Obama is also a Leo. Active, clever, and
proud, Leos love to be the center of attention and exert influence over others. They
are formidable decision makers, disciplinarians, and leaders.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
October 31st is Samhain, the Pagan celebration of New Year. “This is our time of
endings and beginnings; a quieter time, a time when the veil between the physical
and spiritual world is at it’s thinnest and spirits may pass between more readily. This
is the time to revere our ancestors and to say farewell to those that have passed this
last year. This begins a time of darkness, when the land begins its slumber and from
now until Yule, the days grow shorter and darker. Winter storms begin to sweep
down from the north. The time when the earth rests is begun at Samhain. We
celebrate the year passed and the year to come. We light bonfires and perform
rituals to honor those that have gone before.” Some items associated with Samhain
are: pumpkin, apple, nuts, thistle, chrysanthemum, oak leaves, sage, nutmeg, sage,
squashes, mulled wine, and cranberries. www.geocities.com
The stars tell me that this week you’ll be balancing your need for structure with your
desire for freedom and independence. If there is tension in a relationship, try to
release the tension privately instead of in public.
Virgo candidates: Donna Bendiksen,
House Candidate 115, was born on September 4th. Herb Adams, House District
117 is a Virgo.
Senator John McCain was born on August 29th. Virgos are uncomfortable with
disorder, emotions, and close human relationships. They seek to structure the world
around them, and are good at creating solutions.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Others are looking to your lead right now. Your motivation to be connected socially is
as infectious as your charm. If you throw a party this week, make sure you’ll have
enough food!
Libra candidates: Tina Smith’s birthday is October 14th. Peter Doyle’s birthday
is October 11th. Bill Linnell is also a Libra.
SCORPIO (October 23 -November 21) You’re chasing after optimism
this week, and with some effort you can elevate your mood and general attitude.
Beware of getting so caught up in feeling good that you ignore common sense. Take
time to consider the implications of your actions, and make sure they are in line with
your hopes, goals, and ideals.
Scorpio candidates: Joan Cohen, candidate for House District 113 was born
November 2nd. City Council At-Large candidate; incumbent mayor Ed Suslovic,
was born November 17th, and Democratic Vice Presidential hopeful Joe Biden was
born November 20th.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
You may have been feeling ignored or misunderstood at work lately. A reversal will
come with a revived sense of your own self-worth. The passionate New Moon in
Scorpio will help you assert yourself with co-workers. On another note, there is no
simple solution to your conundrum of feeling restless while simultaneously craving
security. If you see the duality in these mutually exclusive drives, it may alleviate
some of the stress and anxiety that the clash produces.
Sagittarian candidate: Republican Susan Collins, born December 7, 1952, and
Mary Francis O’Brien, write-in candidate for School Committee in District 4.
CAPRICORN (December 22 -January 19)
There is an intense alignment coming in the first week of November between Saturn
and Uranus. It may lead you to question something fundamental about your
worldview.
Capricorn candidates: Republican candidate for Congress Charlie Summers and
Democratic State Senate candidate Justin Alfond are Capricorns, as are Jeff
Martin, District 113 candidate for House of Representitives, and Chris Breen, write-
in candidate for School Committee in District 5. There are plenty of Capricorns in
politics. Methodical, pragmatic and dependable, these people will challenge business
as usual if they see fit. They are outspoken critics of injustice and are indefatigable
when they take a position. Their only danger is of becoming hardened and
insensitive.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
The intense New Moon in Scorpio on October 28th may be a difficult passage for
you. It could be emotionally dark terrain, but remember that you can come out the
other side much stronger than you were before. Cosmically, this is an unusual time
with a lot going on, and your unorthodox approach to things will be less noticeable (i.
e. your friends may not question why you are burning all of your furniture in a
bonfire, taking up skeet shooting, or painting giant murals in fingernail polish…)
Aquarius candidates: HD 120 candidate Sandy Amborn; HD 119 candidate Dan
Jenkins; HD 116 candidate Kenneth A. Capron; City Council District 5 candidate
Naomi Mermin; City Council At-Large candidate Dory Waxman, and GOP VP pick
Sarah Palin are all water-bearers.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You may finally shuck off the burden of guilt or negative judgments that have held
you back for a long time. Breaking free from constrictive patterns would bring a
wonderful sense of freedom to you. You can thank the Saturn-Uranus opposition
that is coming in the first week of November.
Pisces candidates: Cynthia McKinney, born March 17, is the Green Party
nominee for President. Ralph Nader, running for President as an Independent, was
born February 27th. Unopposed candidate for City Council District 4 Cheryl
Leeman is a Pisces, as is Jonathan Berry, County Commissioner candidate. “I'm a
fish -- How's that for being a dreamer?” asks Eric Lusk, candidate for Senate District
8.
October 8 - October 22
***The Rewards of Giving Your Money Away***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
On October 13th, I don’t feel like celebrating Columbus Day. I’d prefer to spend a
day in shame over how my ancestors treated Native Americans. This is a
commentary on that barbarism:
Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men, we didn't have any kind
of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents.
We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves.
When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket,
he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift.
We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property.
We didn't know any kind of money and consequently; the value of a human being
was not determined by his wealth.
We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not
able to cheat and swindle one another.
I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental
things
that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society.
Sioux Lakota - 1903-1976
Give your money to: The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program supports the traditional
Elders who live in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Navajo People. The Program
provides food, simple medicines, clothing, fabric and yarns to help these Elders live
on the land in their traditional lifestyle. As they have become elderly, it has become
more difficult for them to support themselves on the Land in their traditional ways.
The Program supports 500 traditional Elders who live in the Northern portion of
Arizona and Southern Utah.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The Full Moon on the 14th is called The Hunter’s Moon. It will be in the sign of Aries,
which indicates self-renewal. There may be a birth of some kind in your life. Don’t
worry if you feel lost in a fog for a few days – clarity is on the way!
Give your money to: Taping for the Blind, Inc. is an independent non-profit
organization with a mission to Turn Sight into Sound, enriching the lives of
individuals with visual, physical and learning disabilities. Their programs include
Radio Reading, Custom Recording and Audio Description services. www.
tapingfortheblind.org
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Financial decisions may be plaguing you this month - you may want to hold off on
some expenses until the end of the month when you’ll be clearer about how much
money you have and whether or not you can spend it. Find some things to do that
are free, like joining a book club or going to local meetings.
Give your money to: For $25, "Replant the Zoo" donors, or gift recipients, will
receive a certificate of recognition printed on recycled paper, citing the tree they
sponsor. Donors giving $700 or more will fund the planting of a mature tree, and will
be recognized on a bronze plaque displayed on Zoo grounds. Another program is
Parents of the Wild -
"Adopt" the animal of your choice and help with the feeding and care of your "wild
child" at the Zoo.
www.zoofriends.org
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
You’ve worked hard for months, and can afford to take a few days off. Take a trip to
visit a friend toward the end of October.
Give your money to: The Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center. TRRC
provides an environment that is both safe for and accessible to those with special
needs, young and old. They offer recreational riding for individuals with and without
disabilities, and for riders at all levels of ability. They provide hippotherapy, equine
assisted psychotherapy, participation in competition in the Equestrian Special
Olympics, and other therapeutic and educational interactions with horses.
Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit
from therapeutic riding. The unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to
increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. www.trrcmd.org
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You’ll have a better time with outdoor activities this month than staying in. If a gift is
offered to you that may have strings attached, use your instinct to guide you in the
right direction.
Give your money to: International Bridges to Justice. Ensure the rights of China’s
children. The most proven way to ensure legal rights is to provide people with
attorneys at the time of arrest. They train Chinese defenders, promote their
services, and link them with those in need. Where your money goes: $25 prints and
distributes 25 legal rights posters, creating an informed citizenry, $350 trains one
attorney who can defend up to 100 cases pr year, $1,000 buys one computer that
defenders can use to reach more clients and improve productivity. www.ibj.org
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You’ll either get a raise at work, a part-time job, or win a contest this month, Virgos!
Take a few chances on raffles or investments and watch your billfold expand!
Give your money to: Americares delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to
people in crisis around the world. Whether it's an epic disaster or a daily struggle,
AmeriCares ensures that medicines, medical supplies and aid reaches individuals in
need wherever they are. In a quarter of a century, they have delivered more than
$8 billion of aid to 137 countries. Additional shipments of medicines and medical
supplies arrived in Myanmar recently, as part of AmeriCares sustained relief effort in
the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. Your money will help provide long-term relief in the
aftermath of this disaster. Or, help Americares continue their life-saving work in
Darfur and Chad and Sudan. www.americares.org
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Overconfidence may lead you into disappointment. Try to be more skeptical of a
situation until you’re sure of the outcome. Ask questions; check details; don’t take
anything at face value.
Give your money to: www.whistleblowing.us
"Whistlestop" a peaceful Mountain retreat for "Whistle Blowers". The mountains and
fields of "Whistlestop" offer solitude and support for the "Whistle Blower", even in the
winter. The Snow at "Whistlestop" is particularly tranquil. In return for your donation,
you’ll receive a dossier of your whistleblower, and occasional photos of your
whistleblower rolling down the grassy fields or making snow angels at the
Whistlestop.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The limelight is all yours this month and people are attracted to your charisma like
moths to a flame. The Full Moon on October 14th may increase your energy and
attention span at work. As all eyes will be on you – you’ll need it!
Give your money to: www.heifer.org "If there is one thing I could give to the
struggling people of the world it would be self-reliance. Everyone deserves the
dignity of providing for themselves and their families. That's why I support Heifer
International."
-Walter Cronkite
Choose a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children and families around
the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. Heifer’
s gift animals will provide families with resources they need.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Are you having trouble sleeping? Blame the current planetary alignment. Try reading
a book on astrology at bedtime – that does the trick for me.
Give your money to: Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind health care
system providing pediatric specialty care to thousands of kids each year -- at no
charge to their families -- thanks to the generosity of donors, past and present. www.
support.shrinershospitals.org
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The Full Moon in Aries on the 14th provides the perfect cosmic energy for you to
host a party! Consider an unusual theme to this get-together, such as a talent show,
a cook-off, or a game night. A competitive spirit is in the air, and focusing it on a
theme will lessen the chance of your guests coming to blows.
Give your money to: Victory Housing is an award-winning nonprofit developer and
operator of quality affordable assisted living for frail seniors and rental housing for
working families and independent seniors. www.victoryhousing.org
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarian Thomas Edison was the first person to invent a machine to count votes
taken by legislative bodies. It was his first patented invention in 1869. A fellow
telegrapher named Dewitt Roberts bought an interest in the invention for $100 and
took it to Washington, D.C. and showed it to Congress. The chairman saw the speed
with which the instrument could record votes, and nixed the machine. The slow pace
of roll call voting in Congress and other legislatures benefited members, allowing
them to filibuster legislation or convince others to change their votes. Edison's vote
recorder was never used. As for you, water-bearing friends, consider taking a quick
trip to clear your mind. A day of leaf-peeping or a weekend camping trip would fit the
bill for your mental health.
Give your money to: Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) is a volunteer-based
organization that provides for the comprehensive needs of companion animals for
low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses, as well as senior
citizens. By providing these support services, and advocating for the rights of
disabled individuals to keep service animals, PAWS improves the health and well-
being of disabled individuals and the animals in their lives. Where Your Donation
Goes:
Services to low income people living with AIDS include emergency and preventative
vet care, food & supplies, food delivery for the homebound, transportation, foster
care, dog walking, litter box maintenance and grooming.
www.pawssf.org
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The possibility of a pay raise or an influx of cash exists toward the end of October.
Continue being frugal, though, because Suze Orman is warning us all not to spend a
penny, and she knows more about financial matters than I do.
The literary world lost a luminary Pisces last month with the suicide of David Foster
Wallace. Best known for his novel Infinite Jest, Wallace received The MacArthur
“Genius Grant” in 1997, covered Senator John McCain's 2000 presidential
campaign, and 9/11 for Rolling Stone, and wrote several non-fiction books including
Everything and More: A Compact History of Infinity (2003), and Consider the
Lobster (2005).
Give your money to: Raina Foundation. RRF has recently undertaken a project to
build 6000 concrete homes for slum dwellers in Bawana in North Eastern Delhi.
Living in makeshift huts, people are completely subjected to the elements. RRF
builds brick and concrete homes for these slum dwellers. Your contribution will help
with the construction costs of one house. Each house costs roughly $ 1,500-2,000.
A number of houses are currently under construction. Sponsor a home today and
provide the comfort of a safe shelter to these poor families. Your contribution will be
acknowledged with a marble slab with your name engraved on it. This slab will be put
inside the house you choose to sponsor. www.rainafoundation.com
By LIZ McMAHON
August 20 - September 3
***Chinese Zodiac***
(The Chinese zodiac assigns an animal symbol according to the year of birth.
Your humble astrologer is matching them up to your Western zodiac sign for
entertainment purposes only.)
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
You have opportunities to go far with your talents. Your generous nature pulls you
in different directions - stay focused to achieve your ‘bigger picture’ goals. Don't hold
back this September. You’ll be able to impress the people both in business, and in
your personal life. This month could create a new trajectory for the next decade of
your life! The Chinese Zodiac has 12 animals that are representative of years
in some East Asian countries. Each year of the 12-year cycle is named after one of
the 12 animals. Each animal has specific personality traits. The Chinese zodiac is
different from the Western one because it’s done by calendar only; there are no
equivalent constellations.
Your Chinese symbol: Monkey (Fixed element, Metal) Monkeys are the erratic
but brilliant ones. You’re a motivator, improviser, problem solver, and are self-
assured, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, sociable, dignified, competitive,
and intellectual. You have a good memory, and a desire for knowledge. You can be
vain, selfish, reckless, snobby, deceptive, manipulative, and cunning. There are few
fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful. Your danger is that you want
to do things now, and if you can’t get results fast enough, you get frustrated or
bored and sometimes bail out. You are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
2009 is the year of the Ox, and should be a happy year for you Bulls. For the
single Taurus, there will be a chance for new friendships and romances. Other Bulls
will revel in domesticity. Being an Ox year, this is one that will provide enjoyment for
you as long as you allow it. Don’t let minor disagreements escalate into high drama,
which would cast a pall over your otherwise fabulous month. You are experiencing
good health, but it can’t hurt to find ways improve the quality of your physical body.
Your Chinese symbol: Ox. (Fixed Element Water): People born in the Year of the
Ox are dependable, patient, calm, methodical, hardworking, ambitious, conventional,
steady, modest, and logical. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. You don’t
say a lot, but people trust you. That stubborn streak gets you in trouble, though. You’
re also narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, and demanding. You are most compatible
with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You are reminded of responsibilities (familial or financial) you have this August.
Mars in your sign keeps you on your toes, energy-wise. Ballet, anyone? September
is a strong month for focusing on your family. You crave a solid, functional home
base to pursue moneymaking activities. The Full Moon on September 4th brings you
a surge of ambition.
Let’s tip our hats to Gemini musician Les Paul (June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009),
who pioneered the electric guitar sound that we now associate with rock and roll.
Your Chinese symbol: Rat. (Fixed Element Water) There are many legends to
explain the beginning of the zodiac. One of the most popular stories is:
“The rat was given the task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for
a banquet to be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat,
but the rat tricked him into believing that the banquet was the next day. The cat slept
through the banquet, thinking that it was the next day. When he found out, the cat
vowed to be the rat's natural enemy for ages to come.”
People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attractiveness.
You work hard to achieve your goals, acquire possessions, and you may be a
perfectionist. Rat people love to gossip. You are charismatic, industrious, eloquent,
sociable, tenacious, and shrewd. You can also be manipulative, vindictive, critical,
and intolerant. You are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon,
Monkey, and Ox.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
This year may be giving you challenges and difficult situations, but you will get
relief soon. Though it is not part of your usual plan, you may find that being
assertive and bold will allow you to achieve unforeseen success. You don’t usually
take risks, but you may benefit from doing so. September will be an excellent month
to make major changes, especially if it will lead you to utilize your social skills and
your abilities to relate to people on a personal level. Get a flu shot to avoid any
setbacks due to illness!
Your Chinese symbol: Rabbit. (Cat in Vietnam, Fixed Element Wood): People
born in the Year of the Rabbit are gracious, good friends, sensitive, soft-spoken,
amiable, elegant, artistic, thorough, tender, astute, compassionate, virtuous,
reserved, and have excellent taste. You can also be moody, detached, superficial,
and self-indulgent. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially
lucky. You enjoy gossip but are usually tactful and kindhearted. Rabbit people
seldom lose their temper. You are conscientious and rarely back out of a contract or
obligation. Cautious as you are, you don’t gamble much, but when you do, you have
a gift of choosing the winner. You are most compatible with those born in the years
of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
In Chinese folklore, horoscopes have developed around the animal signs, much
like monthly horoscopes in the West have been developed for the different moon
signs. For example, a Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the Year
of the Dragon would be "healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and
stubborn." Chinese people consider these horoscopes as solely an amusement.
Your Chinese symbol: Dragon. (Snail in Kazakhstan - Fixed Element Wood): You
are brave, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified,
fiery, decisive, pioneering, ambitious, generous, and loyal. You can also be tactless,
arrogant, tyrannical, demanding, dogmatic, impetuous, and brash. You are
compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Aug 22 brings the Sun to Virgo, so step into the wider world to get the fresh air of
broad opinions or experience. The last week is power packed as Mercury moves
through Libra and Mars through Cancer. You'll take on the world or the world will
take you on, bringing a battle to be fought or a situation to be navigated. Get your
boxing gloves, some garlic, and The Art of War (the Chinese military treatise) ready!
Your Chinese symbol: Rooster. (Fixed Element Metal): People born in the Year
of the Rooster are talented, tidy, meticulous, organized, decisive, conservative,
critical, perfectionistic, practical, scientific, responsible, puritanical, egotistical,
abrasive, opinionated, and deep thinkers. You are hard on yourself if you think you’
ve failed. Roosters may have a difficult time communicating with others. You always
think you are right and sometimes you are! Rooster people may be loners, and
though you pretend to be adventurous, your nerves take over. You are most
compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You may be puzzling over the meaning of life. The word “swag” may have a larger
meaning to you right now than it ever has.
Your Chinese symbol: Dog (Fixed Element Metal): People born in the Year of
the Dog possess the traits of honesty, intelligence, loyalty, a sense of justice and fair
play, and are usually amicable, sociable, idealistic, moralistic, practical and
affectionate. You can also be lazy, dispassionate and quarrelsome. You are not after
wealth, but you often seem to have money! Dog people make good leaders. You are
most compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Affairs have a connection with education or travel. In late August, Venus moves
into your career zone, which may also mean you love your work or your co-worker
has a crush on you, or a new client will become the love of your life!
This September you will gain experience and possibly lay a solid foundation for
years to come. You will have to be resourceful and rely on your boldness and quick
wit to ascertain what is going on behind closed doors.
Your Chinese symbol: Tiger. (Fixed Element Wood): Tiger people are
unpredictable, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating,
sincere, capable of great sympathy, humanitarian, and generous. You can also be
restless, overly emotional, reckless, and quick-tempered. Sometimes Tiger people
clash with older people or authority figures. You are suspicious of others, yet others
respect you. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Chinese philosopher Confucius say “A man who has committed a mistake and
doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake.” This August gives the chance to
remedy a past wrong you either perpetrated or witnessed and didn’t act on.
Your Chinese symbol: Horse. (Fixed Element Fire): People born in the Year of
the Horse are popular, cheerful, quick-witted, independent, earthy, perceptive, agile
- mentally and physically, magnetic, astute, flexible, and open-minded. You can also
be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, and rude. You are skillful with money,
and perceptive, but sometimes you talk too damn much. You are good with your
hands, and may have a weakness for sex. You are impatient and hot-blooded about
everything except what you consider your work. You like entertainment, and hate
getting advice. You are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
On August 11th, 2009, a German court sentenced a former Nazi army commander
to life in prison for his role in the murder of 10 Italians during the Holocaust. I point
this out to encourage you to stand up for what is right. Don’t look the other way when
bad things are happening to innocent people.
Your Chinese symbol: Snake. (Fixed Element Fire): People born in the Year of
the Snake are deep. You are a thinker; wise, mystic, soft-spoken, creative, prudent,
ambitious, cautious, responsible, strong, and purposeful. You can be a loner, a poor
communicator, possessive, self-doubting, mendacious, or suffocating. You never
have to worry about money. Snake people are often quite vain and stingy, yet you
have sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Snakes have the
motto “If you want it done right, do it yourself!” Although calm on the surface, you are
intense and passionate. You are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
During late August The Sun moves through your relationship zone, which may
bring new people into your life. The Sun has basically moved as far away from your
sign as possible. This means a period of objectivity. Any illusions you may be under
will disappear! Seeing both sides of the equation will be key. You may discover who
is supportive of your career and who is not, which will be useful for public endeavors.
You may also find yourself in the middle of fighting friends. Aquarius the
peacemaker?!?
Your Chinese symbol: Pig. (Wild boar in Japan and Elephant in Northern
Thailand - Fixed Element Water): People born in the Year of the Pig are gallant,
sturdy, sociable, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, thoughtful, scrupulous,
passionate, intelligent. You can be naive, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, and
fatalistic. Whatever you do, you do with all your might. You don't make many friends
but they make them for life, and anyone having a Pig Year friend is fortunate for they
are extremely loyal. You are generally well informed and enjoy a healthy debate of
politics. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Pigs will try to work them out, if
sometimes impulsively. You are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
This August you’ll have a tendency to spend more time with friends and possibly
become influenced by friends to an unhealthy degree. A focus on discipline in all
areas will be necessary. Parents and pet owners will find that setting boundaries is
the best way to rear healthy kids and pets. It’s also important to get everybody in
the household and extended family to use the same set of rules!
Your Chinese symbol: Ram (or Sheep, or Goat in Vietnam -Fixed Element Fire):
People born in the Year of Ram are artistic, caring, sensitive, sincere, mild-
mannered, imaginative, understanding, fashionable, and peaceful. Sheep people
may also be shy, weak-willed, indecisive, passive, or worry and complain a lot. You
are well spoken and can support your opinions. You’d be perfectly happy
daydreaming all day long. You are comfortable in your own mind (which others may
perceive as you being aloof). Sheep people need freedom, and need to feel loved.
Sheep tend not to be very well organized, and do better in fields of creativity rather
than in office settings.
Rams are usually very spiritual, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible
with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.
August 6 - 19
***What’s your Weather? ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
You Rams are about a subtle as a falling anvil and you love explaining yourself to
anyone who will listen. You don’t waste no time beating around the bush. Your
anxiety level is so intense that it makes you quit a project for fear of failure. Then
you start something new and do the whole cycle over again!
This August, parent/child dynamics may be stressful. Key relationships need
private time for evaluation: let others resolve their own emotional blocks. You have
vibrant and exciting ideas, and you will meet someone enticing, but if you are hoping
for commitment, this is not likely in the stars.
Your weather: Snow! From flurries to showers to squalls (brief but intense snow
showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds), snow is a visual signal to you of
innocence, re-birth, and starting fresh.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Bulls are so stubborn - there’s no stopping you once you’ve made up your mind.
Watch out that it doesn’t take you so long to make your mind up that the opportunity
is lost or ancient history. You are also seriously possessive. No one better touch
your stuff if they know what’s good for them! You don’t take any risks in life. You are
slow to change and prefer a steady routine.
Early this month, ongoing romantic or family discussions may sap your energy.
Issues may involve past disappointments or differences of opinion over property.
Your practical outlook will be helpful. Listen to your inner self. It is telling you that
despite any upsets you may have suffered recently, things are much better than
they seem. Sometimes a little adrenaline is needed to light fires under people who’ve
been stuck in a rut!
Your weather: Cloudy and gray. Your workhorse spirit enjoys the challenge of
working hard all day despite gloomy conditions. It gives you something to boast and
be proud about. A cloud is tiny droplets of water or ice crystals collected together. All
air contains water, but near the ground, it is usually in the form of an invisible gas
called water vapor. When warm air rises, it expands and cools. Cool air can't hold as
much water vapor as warm air, so some of the vapor condenses onto tiny pieces of
dust that are floating in the air, and forms a tiny droplet around each dust particle.
When billions of these droplets come together, they become a visible cloud.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Fickle and flighty, you Geminis are always looking for the best deal for yourselves,
even if it means not-so-kosher ways of attaining it. Social invitations and romantic
flirtations will be emotionally charged this August. Accept new overtures of affection:
this is a positive time for deepening your emotional connections in life. A recent
period of self-reflection will soon end.
Your weather: Cool in the shade; warm in the sun.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Crab is a perfect image for you guys. You are crabby by nature and cast a pall
over any festive gathering with your malcontent. Your moodiness is just a shell
surrounding your real, unhinged mental state. Luckily for those us who steer clear of
Crabs, you usually save the worst neurotic behavior for your loved ones. Close
friendships may be confusing or strained over the month of August. Controversies
may be social triangles, subtle family relations or power struggles. Don't take a bone
of contention to heart. Your best bet is to express support. Business is promising this
month, but inconsistent: be able to provide detailed paperwork and records.
Your weather: Foggy. This gives you a good excuse to stay snug and cozy at
home.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Leos - your egotism puts you at risk for being brainwashed by false flattery. This,
combined with your eloquence of speech, can lead you to become a spokesperson
for schemers and thieves. A lack of objectivity is a potential problem, as well as
excessive pride. The writer Al Aronowitz said, "August is the month when wars start."
August was named after the first Roman emperor Augustus, who was a ruthless
general! Leo energy can cause hotheadedness, as the King of the Beasts seeks
attention and power.
August is historically a month of crises, coups, bombings and revolutions.
The infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud broke out in August 1882. In August 1917, there
was a race riot in Houston. In August 1919, there was a race riot in Chicago. In
August 1931, the Chicago Rent Strike riot broke out. Both the first and second world
wars began in August. The first atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki in August 1945. In August 1964, there was a race riot in Jersey City. The
Watts Riot in LA in 1965. On August 23, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Russia invaded
Georgia last August. Do people get more aggressive in August, or does being on
vacation distract us all and give the power mongers a prime opportunity to strike out?
Long-term family or social disruptions are now ending. Early this month a close
relative, friend or partner may finally resolve his or her hang-up or unwelcome quirk.
Noteworthy Leo: Lucille Ball, born August 6th, 1911. I’m sure you have your own
favorite Lucy memory, but mine is the episode where Ricky forbids her to be in his
show, so she sneaks in and ruins the performance at The Tropicana. Ricky ended
up mad at her but laughing with her at the same time. Happy Birthday on August 7th
to Garrison Keillor, who said “I think the most un-American thing you can say is, “you
can’t say that.”
Your weather: Heatwave! Hazy, hot and humid is up your alley, lions.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgos, you are cheap! You re-gift; never pick up the tab, cut the toothpaste tube
open to scrape out the last little bit, and you love a yard sale! You’re fastidious to
the point of OCD, man.
Some Virgos, especially those born in late August, may experience a return of old
jobs or business agreements. Through mid-August, friendships and love interests
require diplomacy. Now is the time when roles will be defined.
Your weather: 72 degrees and sunny. Yes, this sounds more like Santa Barbara
than Portland, but we do get a few of these days. Virgos live in anticipation of the
good times - organizing and planning ahead for what’s around the bend. You want to
be ready with full force enjoyment of the perfect sunny day!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Libras, you bemoan that you aren’t appreciated. Many of you, however, are lazy
and would just as soon take credit for work you didn’t do. You are charming, but may
milk it and take advantage of others. Your sign is the only one with a non-human
symbol (the scales). I’m not implying that you’re a robot, but you’re no Pisces! This
August, you’ll come across an unusual work of art, or piece of technology that you’ll
want to acquire. Expect friends or co-workers to make last minute changes in plans.
You may get spur-of-the-moment visitors, so it wouldn’t hurt to stock up on food and
toilet paper. Look for fruitful meetings with potential clients, benefactors, or lovers.
Your weather: Brisk fall weather, where you smell the air becoming fresh and feel
the leaves crackling.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios, you send shivers down the spines of other signs, and you deserve every
ounce of the stereotype you have. Shrewd, scummy, dastardly, jealous, secretive,
temperamental, spiteful and bitter, your complex personality is impenetrable to most
folk.
The lunar eclipse of August 5th will be a hot one for you Scorps. Seething
resentment, eruptions of temper, and perceived crises will threaten your state of
mind.
Over the next few weeks a co -worker may quit or ditch an important project. You
will need to redefine your role. Try to stay patient: progress returns by September.
Eat some ice chips.
Your weather: Thunderstorms! Lightning is awesome and also vicious. It is
massive, beautiful, and deadly.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Archers, you are noncommittal, no-nonsense and a loudmouth. It’s said that
Sagittarians look like horses, but which end is the question.
Part of you needs to come out of hiding. It may be a light under a bushel, a secret
talent, or a question you've been trying to ignore that is now an elephant in the
room. What do you think it is?
The Full Moon lunar eclipse of August 5th is a positive note for those born around
December 5th, in terms of an intellectual wake-up call, and maybe a new direction
related to overseas or academic issues. Family and home commitments will play a
role. If you have a friend who is stressed out, do something. A sport, shared hobby,
or a party could make the connection for some desperately needed bonding.
Your weather: Hail, freezing rain, and ice! Ice storms are often to blame for
multiple deaths due to the loss of power. Ice storms can accompany other types of
winter precipitation. Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the
ground is sleet. Accumulation can cause road conditions to become hazardous.
When precipitation comes down in temperatures below freezing, the liquid
becomes solid ice. Surfaces such as trees, cars, and roads get a coating or glaze of
ice that accumulates on the surface. This causes danger, due to the slippery
conditions. The safest place to walk in an ice storm is along the gutters.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns, you are pessimistic folks who couldn’t have a good time even if you
were being paid to. You do well in scheming corporate politics because you’ll do
anything get ahead. Most of you are lonely souls, and are just waiting for a Jimmy
Stewart character to come along and help you see what’s right.
Saturn, your ruling planet, is ensuring you remain grounded and dutiful, especially
in connection to study and business. Your boss, teacher, or partners may give you
lame excuses, vague assignments, or simply be MIA. Stay patient. Those people
need to figure out personal and professional issues on their own. You will prove to
be invaluable for someone this month.
Your weather: Winter weather! Ever wondered the difference between a blizzard
and a nor’easter? With winds over 35 mph, blizzards are hazardous winter storms.
Visibility is often near zero. Characterized by low temperatures (usually below 20
degrees Fahrenheit), blizzards spew snow, reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less.
Nor'easters are worse! A nor'easter gets its name from its continuously strong
northeasterly winds blowing in from the ocean ahead of the storm and over coastal
areas. They are areas of low pressure that often form either in the Gulf of Mexico or
off the East Coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Nor'easters produce heavy snow, rain, and
huge waves that crash onto Atlantic beaches, causing beach erosion and structural
damage. Wind gusts can exceed hurricane force in intensity!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians are supposedly humanitarians who love pitching in for common good.
You may appreciate the anonymity of working for charity, because in real life, you
are unemotional, aloof, unreachable, extremely eccentric, and downright rude. You
don’t seek out relationships, and resent any infringement on your personal space or
time. You lack any ability to compromise or be part of a cohesive group.
This August, you might feel perfectly content. You may have broken free from the
obsession to acquire more stuff. An epiphany will strike - that you don't need as
much as you thought you did in order to be happy. The lunar eclipse of the 5th-6th
is in your sign, and will be a time where there are major wake-up calls and possibly
the end of chapters that have to be closed.
Beware friends and co-workers who currently feel compelled to express their ideas,
gripes or inspirations. Expect some intrusions from higher-ups, but there could be
rewards for delaying your own comfort in order to mollify others.
Your weather: Windy! Wind is air in motion. Warm air, which weighs less than cold
air, rises. Then cool air moves in and replaces the rising warm air. This movement of
air is what makes the wind blow.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces, you are fickle, gossipy, impractical, gullible, and distractible. You are prone
to depression, and no wonder, considering how you interact with others. You can be
so sensitive and emotional, you are a real drain on people. In business you are
unreliable, idle, careless, and ineffective. You can be misled easily because you
want to believe the best in people.
Psychologist James Hillman, in his book Thought of the Heart and the Soul of the
World, writes "The question of evil refers primarily to the anaesthetized heart; the
heart that has no reaction to what it faces, thereby turning the variegated sensuous
face of the world into monotony…” How do you rage against this kind of evil in
yourself, Pisces? "Keep exploring what it takes to be the opposite of who you are,"
suggests psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Creativity: Flow and the
Psychology of Discovery and Invention. How would you go about being the opposite
of who you are? Open yourself fully to the unpredictable, ever-shifting ugliness you
encounter. You may be spending a lot of time on the telephone, that’s another
possibility.
Your weather: Rain! From Drizzle to Heavy Downpours, rain renews the earth and
makes you feel purified and relaxed.
July 22 - August 5
***Mirabilia (Small Bits of Wondrous
Phenomena)***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Pretend I’m Geppetto and you’re Pinocchio and I’m warning you to stay away from
fast-talking strangers. Be alert for scams. They could come in the guise of a child, a
cute animal, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Use common sense and ask lots of
questions when discerning who to trust. Look for a new romance around the August
5th Lunar Eclipse.
Mirabilia: From the "Book of Ancient Records": The naturalist Pliny reports the
case of some conserved beans that were forgotten in the cellar and retained their
taste for 220 years.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Plan a vacation, a new hobby, or a new program of study. Stars are not favorable
to make large investments or expenditures at this time. Check your receipts and
bank statements for errors, and use extra caution to protect your valuables.
Mirabilia: Even the Ancient Greeks kept records of top achievements in the areas
of sports, nature and anatomy, according to the book. The most resilient runner
covered 238 kilometers (176 miles) in a day. A soldier from Alexander's army drank
13.5 liters (3.6 gallons) of wine during a drinking competition -- and then fell over
dead.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You may feel like annoying people are persecuting you. There may be a grain of
truth to that, but there is also a large discrepancy between reality and your
perspective. Use the powerful energy sparked by the August 5th Lunar eclipse and
full moon in Aquarius to focus your gray cells on a complex project that will further
your career.
Mirabilia: A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet
the size of a tennis court!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
I recently learned the true story behind “presumed” axe-murderer Lizzie Borden,
born July 19, 1860. True to her Cancerian nature, she remained in Fall River her
entire life, though she ventured out to socialize with some of New England’s glitterati,
including actress Nance O'Neil, Boston author and philanthropist Annie Fields, and
Sarah Orne Jewett.
Lizzie’s will left $30,000 to the Fall River Animal Rescue League. Now for your
horoscope…
You may suffer some insomnia this August, Crabs. You can blame it on the fiery
Mars energy swirling around, as well as your sensitivity to the emotions of others
who are also feeling Mars’ heat. Tips to beat insomnia: Herbal teas like Passion
Flower, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile. Keep the room cool, comfortable, quiet, and
dark and free of clutter and distractions. No alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco at night.
Write down things you are worried about, or a "to do" list. Have a warm bath, rub
lavender oil firmly on your feet, and then put on socks you’ve heated in the
microwave. Imagine yourself in a peaceful landscape. Focus on the details of being
there.
Mirabilia: The cigarette lighter was invented before the match! It was brass and
stone, weighed 11 pounds and took 3 people to ignite it, but it was way easier than
waiting for lightning to strike the end of your cigarette.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Your summer is one big party, Leos. As you are yukking it up, keep your eye out
for business opportunities. You will wind up making more money by summer’s end if
you can pinpoint which partygoers have the power. This summer, read “New
Mainers: Portraits of Our Immigrant Neighbors” This new volume profiles dozens of
immigrants who have made their new homes in Maine. They talk about their
homelands, the forces that brought them to our state, and the new lives they've
created here. Available at Longfellow Books.
Mirabilia: It takes glass one million years to decompose, which means it never
wears out and can be recycled an infinite amount of times!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The end of July will see you at the top of the totem pole, Virgos. You’ll be able to
win friends and influence people! Your way with words will have people trusting
everything you say. Take full advantage of this time to shine, though. You’ll be back
to your ho-hum, number-punching, brown-bag lunching self by October.
Mirabilia: The Bocca della Verita. This medieval lie detector (it would supposedly
bite the arm off liars) is a marble statue of a man-like face, located in the church of
Santa Maria. Starting from the Middle Ages, it was believed that if one told a lie with
one's hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off. This is a stop on the
Mirabilia Urbis Walking Tours, ("The Marvels of the City") -- "the City" is Rome, of
course!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
A bunch of planets passing through Gemini may trigger a burst of curiosity and the
desire to pack your bags and see new places. Choose plans that include people -
you’ll have a better time with company along.
Mirabilia: The most popular first name in the world is Muhammad!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
An obsession with duty can consume you workaholic Scorps. What items on your
agenda are not imperative? Putting those aside allows you to still have time left over
to see to your own health and happiness. If you find that your down time is
interrupted by pesky thoughts of tasks you need to do, try organizing them in list
form under order of importance. Acknowledge the obligations that you can’t get to
today, and then congratulate yourself for all of the things you did do.
Mirabilia: The Nobel Peace Prize medal depicts three naked men with their hands
on each other's shoulders!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
End of July brings you ease with your finances. Anything relating to banking,
insurance, or investments will be a breeze in the last few weeks of August. Don’t
question why - sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. One more thing: Venus moving
through Cancer in July raises the possibility that your romance is with someone you
were connected to in a past life.
Mirabilia: The Seven (manmade) Wonders of the Industrial World -
*SS Great Eastern Steam Ship
*Bell Rock Lighthouse
*Brooklyn Bridge
*London Sewerage System
*First Transcontinental Railroad
*Panama Canal
*Hoover Dam
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Does your sense of security rest on your bank balance? Let’s hope not, but if it
does, the lunar eclipse on August 5th may nudge you toward relaxing that emotional
grip. You may find that changing your interaction with your finances actually yields a
positive result!
Mirabilia: More people are killed annually by donkeys than by plane crashes.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
On July 31st, Mars will be in Gemini, which creates a flirtatious energy in the air,
and Venus will enter Cancer, setting the stage for a hot date or an office fling.
Mirabilia: A trio of animal facts!
1.A snail can sleep for three years.
2. The placement of a donkey's eyes in its head enables it to see all four feet at all
times.
3. Camels have three eyelids to protect them from blowing sand.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Look forward to a high frequency August, Pisces! Expect positive emotional
responses to happy news at the start of the month! You are also entering into the
most romantic time of the year, so your current love life will deepen.
Mirabilia: The relatively tiny Dubai, with a population of about 1.4 million, will be
home to the first luxury underwater hotel. It’s called The Hydropolis Hotel, and is in
the capital city of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. The ballroom has
asymmetrical pathways connecting the different stories along ramps. A large, petal-
like retracting roof enables open-sky events. In order to enter this surreal space,
visitors will begin at the land station. The upper stories of the land station offer a
cosmetic surgery clinic and a marine biological research laboratory. The land station
also has a restaurant and cinema showing underwater life.
As a finale, the screen will open to reveal the Hydropolis. Passengers board a
noiseless train propelled by fully automated cables along a modular, self-supporting
steel guide way to Hydropolis.
The $500-million hotel is scheduled to open sometime this year, and will charge
$5,500 for a night's lodging.
June 25 - July 8
*** “I Do” ***
(In honor of Councilor Kevin Donoghue’s July 4th wedding to
Krista Mitschele, the following horoscope is presented.)
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your vibe will help you get closer to those you’re interested in, without words getting
in the way. Your desires may pull you in different directions. If so, focus on the
consistency of your daily routine to keep you grounded.
Wedding idea: The guest list. Start by making the most exhaustive list you can. List
everyone you’d ever consider inviting to your wedding. College roommates, co-
workers, distant cousins — get them all on paper. If you don’t want exes coming, now
is the time to lay ground rules. Now eliminate half the list. Make a non-negotiable list.
This is the short list of people that you definitely want at your wedding. If the parents
have a guest-list of their own, this could throw a wrench in your plans. Tell the
parents they can’t invite anyone that you haven’t seen in the last year. What about
co-workers who may all know about the wedding? The kindest thing to do is to invite
everyone rather than single out just one or two coworkers. On the fence about
someone? Err on the side of being inclusive, but ask yourself if the potential guest
has enhanced your life. If you need to cut your list further, make sure you let your
guests know that they can’t bring a “plus one”. Other potential cuts would be heavy
boozers (they’d up your tab, anyway); business acquaintances; those who one of
you is estranged from, and children.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
If you are a type-A personality, personal issues may distract you right now.
Experimenting with alternatives in your work and personal life shows that you are
confident enough in yourself to step outside the norm. The Lunar Eclipse on July 7th
may illuminate what isn’t working for you. Consider dropping something, in order to
focus on what is working.
Wedding idea: The color scheme and the decorations.
For a summer wedding, set out containers of little hand-held, battery-run fans, or
pretty paper fans for guests to cool themselves with. Consider putting a spray bottle
of high-SPF sunscreen at each table as well. Serve ice water with pretty slices of
lemon, lime or orange. For a romantic, out-of-this-world wedding, try a celestial
theme! Look to the heavens when deciding your color choices. Consider black, blue,
yellow, gold, white and silver. Your wedding invitations can indicate to your guests
what theme you have chosen. Sprinkle metallic confetti in shapes of stars, moons
and planets inside the envelopes before mailing. Decorate your venue with glittery
tulle and white twinkle lights. Hang sparkly stars from the ceiling. Use navy blue or
black tablecloths and sprinkle metallic confetti on top.
Then place silver or gold glittery tulle on top of the tablecloth. Put place cards on
the tables with names of constellations or planets. Create celestial centerpieces from
different-sized pillar candles, attaching star-shaped pins to the candles. Group the
candles together on a mirror (round or star-shaped), and place glittery tulle around
the grouping. Finish off the centerpiece with flat, colored marbles, metallic confetti,
or star garland around the tulle. Inspiration from www.theamericanwedding.com
Are you getting married in a pile of rubble? Consider a Grecian wedding theme with
fig leaves, floating chiffon, urns and broken pottery vases. You can get the Grecian
look by wearing a series of soft overlapping, gauzy layers. Try a halter neckline, an
off-the-shoulder neckline, softly ruched or pleated v-necks, a sashed waist and a
very long length. Put candles in Grecian urns or in a small birdbath. Decorate with
fresh or fake fruit and either fresh or garlands of silk grape leaves.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Your mental flightiness is stimulated when magnetic Venus enters Gemini on July
5th. You’re ready to leap out into the unknown without any hesitation, aren’t you?
The Capricorn Full Moon on July 7th will inject a dose of realism into your
bloodstream. This won’t slow you down, but may steer you back on the path toward
meaningful life work. Happy Birthday to Slim Pickens, June 29, 1919. Slim was an
actor and rodeo performer, who embodies the tough cowboy. He may be best known
for his comic roles in films such as Blazing Saddles and Dr. Strangelove.
Wedding idea: Flowers. Join homedepotgardenclub.com to learn about local and in-
season flowers and greenery to use in your wedding floral decor. Alternate large and
small floral centerpieces between each of your guest tables for a lovely look, and
save some money on the large ones. On bouquets: Spend less for floral tape at the
craft store rather than buying floral wire, which can cut into your flowers when
wrapped too tightly.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Mischievous Mercury aligns your intellect and your goals in life this July. This
involves you communicating more clearly. Celebrate the 190th anniversary of the
bicycle, which was patented on June 26th, 1819.
Wedding idea: Photographers. Your humble astrologer priced wedding
photographers in Portland, and found that they charge in the thousands! Should
that be cost-prohibitive, try bartering with a photographer friend. See if you can
trade photography for a service you might provide (you’ll baby-sit their kids or fix
their computer). Don’t know any photogs? Check with artist’s collectives such as SEA
(Society of East End Artists) www.seaportland.org; The Constellation Art Gallery at
511 Congress Street. www.constellationart.com; The Sylvia Kania Gallery at 148
High Street, a Cooperative Gallery Representing over 20 Artists; or The Salt Institute
at 561 Congress Street www.salt.edu.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Your hard work this year will bring you rewards. You may need to endure some
disappointment before getting there. Avoid discouragement by remembering that if
life were all smooth sailing, it would be a big bore!
Let’s pay a tribute to one of the greatest TV shows of all time, "Seinfeld", which
premiered July 5, 1989. Lasting nine seasons, the nihilistic philosophy within the
show hit our collective funny bones. Larry David, one of the show's producers, used
to say: "No hugging, no learning.” This is exemplified in the episode “The Secret
Code” where Kramer says to Jerry, "Well, the important thing is, you learned
something," and Jerry counters, "No I didn't."
Wedding idea: Party favors. How about a silver ice cream scoop with “Scoop of
Love” engraved on it and your initials? Or, how about personalized wedding fans?
Check the crafts-for-sale website etsy.com to find creative guest books, unity
candles, jewelry and more from talented artists. Charitable favors are popular now,
too. Visit heifer.org and idofoundation.org to see what you can purchase for $5 per
guest.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
A Full Moon Eclipse on July 7th may find discipline failing, rules broken, and plans
interrupted. On the bright side, a shakeup of your routine may be just what the
doctor ordered!
Wedding idea: RSVP’ing
You may have guests who will neglect to write in their names in their response
cards, or who write illegibly. Think ahead by numbering your guest list, then
inconspicuously writing the corresponding number on the back of each response
card. Also, include an easy way for guests to reply by pre-addressing and stamping
a return envelope. Don’t have e-mail be the primary response method, as e-mails
are too easily lost or ignored.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Your good judgment should outweigh the hurt feelings you may be experiencing. “It’s
not personal” should be your motto in early July.
Wedding idea: The Dress! For a summer wedding, choose a gown made of lighter
fabric, such as cotton organdy, chiffon, crepe, or voile over silk. Choose a tuxedo
fabric that also breathes for the men, and select open-backed vests for the men’s
comfort as well. Choose the right shoes. For comfort, in addition to style, try thick
heels that won’t sink into soft summertime grass. If your ceremony and reception will
be outside, forgo the long train that may get grass stains, sand, or mud on it.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You are feeling super-generous, which is great. Just make sure you can afford to
give away what you’re giving before you end up in a cardboard box down on Wharf
Street. Unless, of course, that’s what you want.
Wedding idea: Honeymoon: Head for the Rocky Mountains. A few miles southwest
of Durango, in Hesperus, Colorado, there's a bed and breakfast called Blue Lake
Ranch. It’s a private spot with purple mountains in the background and bright tulips
everywhere. You can visit Mesa Verde National Park and have green chile corn
bread for breakfast! Another earthy suggestion is the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort,
an eco-safari retreat near the seaside village of Tofino, British Colombia. It offers
small to medium-size weddings. The resort offers large canvas tents, luxurious spa
treatments and four-star dining. Their Eco Package includes: Vancouver-Outpost
return floatplane fare, horse drawn wagon shuttle, outpost accommodations, all
gourmet meals, snacks, alcohol, unguided activities (kayaking, canoeing, hiking,
mountain biking, fishing), and guided activities (horseback riding, ocean and/or fresh
water fishing, whale and bear watching, Wild Side First Nations Interpretive Trail, Hot
Springs Cove daytrek, skeet, fly tying clinics, kayaking and canoeing, and mountain
bike riding). (Cost $4,750 for three nights in the off-season)
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Choose your battles, Archer. Giving in to someone else’s druthers isn’t always
surrendering. It is sometimes the best course in order to get your own way next time.
(i.e. lose the battle; win the war)
Wedding idea: Bridesmaids. How do you decide who will be your bridesmaids? You
want your closest friends at your side, no matter what gender they are, so if you
have men as your bridesmaids, they are called “lads of honor”, or “honor
attendants”. Your honor attendant walks in the processional alone, right before you
make your entrance. In the recessional, he walks next to the best man. If you have to
tell a friend that they won’t be in the wedding party, do it sooner rather than later. Be
honest about your situation. Let the person know that you couldn't ask everyone you
wanted, but you've got another special role all lined up for him or her. Then invent a
job, like ushering, reading a special poem, or sprinkling glitter everywhere.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
No over-committing yourself this July! Maintain the harmony in your relationships by
bending in the wind of conflict. If you can compromise, you may not get exactly what
you want, but at least you’ll be partially satisfied. The more agreeable you are, the
easier it will be to understand the position of those who disagree with you.
Wedding idea: Cake.
"The flavor of the cake should be as good as any dessert you'd serve to guests,"
says Narcisa Vieira-Castillo of Cakes Unique.. "Do not compromise taste for the look
of the cake." How about carrot cake with hazelnut ganache filling and butter cream
frosting with a sea-blue, aquatic-themed confection? Statuesque seahorses and a
crown of fondant initials would add a regal look.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Expect emotional responses to issues around power: balance of power, power
struggles, or loss of power. Issues from the past may surface in relation to family,
neighbors, or work.
Wedding idea: Music! Here are some songs to get your guests grooving:
"Beautiful" by Akon for the hip-hoppers; "So What" by P!nk, to get everyone back
out on the dance floor; "Just Dance" by Lady GaGa to keep the hearts pumping, and
“Shakedown Street” by The Grateful Dead to inspire some hypnotic synergy. (Please
don’t include the Chicken Dance in the set list.)
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The lunar eclipse on July 7th will encourage all creative endeavors, especially those
involving family, neighbors, or business. Watch out for your enthusiasm to bubble up
into anger or impatience during the first week of July. Check your facts before you
speak out, because you might be jumping to conclusions.
Wedding Idea: Vows
The history of wedding vows dates back to the Middle Ages, to the Book of Common
Prayer, which was published in 1549. The Church of England would offer couples
the choice of both promising to “love and cherish” or the groom promises to “love,
cherish and worship” while the bride to “love, cherish and obey.” Here are two
examples of vows from other cultures:
Aztec Indian Wedding Poem
“I know not whether thou has been absent:
I lie down with thee, I rise up with thee,
In my dreams thou art with me.
If my eardrops tremble in my ears,
I know it is thou moving within my heart.”
Celtic Wedding Vow
by Morgan Llywelyn
“You cannon possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give
You cannot command me, for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand
I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup
I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine
I shall not slander you, nor you me
I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in private and
tell no strangers our grievances
This is my wedding vow to you
This is the marriage of equals.”
June 10 - 24
***The Supernatural***
Astrologer’s note: In honor of Rory Raven’s visit to Portland on June
13th, we present the following horoscope.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
June 12th is Independence Day in Russia. In 1990, the Russian parliament formally
declared its sovereignty, and the holiday of national unity was established. For a few
years, the day was known as "Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty
of the Russian Federation", and in 2002 it was renamed "Russia Day" (Boris Yeltsin
suggested the name). The third week of June holds creativity and romance for you,
Aries!
Explore: Voodoo. Some of the stereotypes about Voodoo have evolved out of
ancient practices. The idea that powerful or influential spirits can affect people
comes from two forms of Voodoo. One harkens from the western African coast. The
other is practiced in Haiti, as well as in parts of North and South America.
Voodoo is an oral tradition containing multiple gods and spiritual possession.
Voodoo may include:
Rituals or objects used to convey magical protection
The use of fetishes, or objects meant to contain the essence or power of particular
spirits
Ceremonial dances, which often involve elaborate costumes, masks, and music,
especially drums
Divination using the interpretation of physical activities, like tossing seed hulls or
pulling a stone of a certain color from a tree.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The Summer Solstice on June 21st indicates a great romantic and prosperous
period for you. Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and celebrating the
Summer solstice is an ancient practice, dating back to pre-Christian times. Originally
a fertility festival associated with nature and with the hope for a good harvest the
coming fall/autumn, Midsummer is still a popular festival in Scandinavia. In Sweden, it’
s even a national holiday, where they decorate with wreaths and flowers, and dance
around the midsummer pole while playing folk songs. Midsummer’s magical allure
also includes foretelling the future, especially in the romantic realm!
The Danish celebrate “Sankt Hans aften” (St. John's Eve) on the eve of June 23rd.
They sing "We Love Our Land" and burn straw witches on bonfires. This is done in
Denmark in memory of the Church's witch burnings of the 16th and 17th century.
This ritual sends the witches to Bloksbjerg, a mountain in Germany where the great
witch gathering was thought to be held. Scandinavian Midsummer traditions have the
pagan theme of the Sun overpowering darkness.
Explore: Native American Spirit Guides and Protector spirits. In Norse mythology, at
birth every human is given a spirit called Fylgia, which follows him or her throughout
his/her life. Fylgia usually appear during sleep (often as an animal), but if it appears
while a person is awake, it may be an omen of one's death. If it appears in the form
of women, then it is a guardian spirit! Some Native American legends believe we
choose spirit guides at birth to help us through the trials we will face in life. Spirit
guides may be our ancestors, watching over us, lending wisdom and protection when
we need it. They may also be animals, the characteristics of which are qualities that
we possess or that we need to learn from in our lives. Which one do you think is your
animal guide?
Bear – Bear is the part of the self that needs to retreat into its own space, hibernate
and heal itself. Bear totem is comforting and protective. Bear is a common animal
spirit for mothers.
Butterfly –Butterfly stands for our ability to accept the beauty of growth and change
in our lives.
Coyote – Coyote is the trickster totem. He creates confusion, self-sabotage, humor,
and grandiose ideas.
Eagle – Eagle is a profoundly spiritual animal totem, representing wisdom.
Hawk – Hawk is the messenger and represents perspective. People who have Hawk
as an animal are able to see an issue from all sides and avoid jumping to
conclusions.
Horse – Horse represents personal power and self-assurance.
Snake – Snake is a powerful guide for healers, and carries the ability to transform
body and mind.
Spider – In some traditions, Spider is the creator Goddess who spun the world into
being. Spider is the creative totem of artists.
Wolf – Wolf is the guide of teachers. Wolves are connected to the moon and
feminine energy. Like Dog totem, Wolf is loyal to family and people they consider
their own.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Secrets may come as a surprise to you as the planets line up erratically mid-June.
Explore: Doppelgangers - ghostly doubles of a living person. Seeing one's own
doppelganger or the doppelganger of a friend or relative is considered bad luck, in
folklore, maybe forewarning death or serious illness of the doppelganger's original.
Scientists in Switzerland discovered that electrical stimulation of the brain (used to
treat epilepsy) could cause the patient to sense their doppelganger's presence.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A New Moon in your sign on June 22nd will bring a playful energy with it. You can
spread inspiration among your friends by first encouraging others to follow their
dreams and then supporting them in their efforts. If the optimistic thoughts you share
may at first seem ineffectual, let them incubate, and check back in a few months.
The impact of even a simple compliment or kind word can be life- changing. The
enthusiasm you offer others when they share their dreams encourages them to
strive for happiness.
Explore: Ghosts and Ectoplasm. The word poltergeist comes from the German
"noisy ghost", for a spirit said to manifest itself by invisibly moving and influencing
objects. In ghost reporting statistics, a White Lady has been seen time and again,
and seems to indicate someone has died tragically or suffered trauma in life. White
Lady legends are international. In many of them, someone has lost or been betrayed
by a husband or wife. Similar to the concept of a “banshee”, when a White Lady
appears, it may forewarn that someone in the family is going to die.
Ectoplasm is a substance excreted by mediums during trances and associated with
hauntings. Ectoplasm is light-sensitive, which is why many séances are held in low
light or total darkness to better observe ectoplasmic manifestations.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Happy Summer Solstice on the 21st! Celebrate by letting one obligation go, and
feeling a bit of freedom. Your hopes and dreams are currently at the forefront of
your consciousness.
Explore: Levitation, (the movement of objects without normal means of support) can
occur using telekinesis. While inanimate objects are the most common subjects of
levitation, mediums have also been known to levitate people. Daniel Dunglas Home,
a Scottish medium, was famous in the 1800s for his feats of levitation. During one
séance, Home flew out a third story window, levitated himself outside, and entered
through a second window!
Telekinesis, sometimes referred to as Psycho-kinesis, or mind over matter, is the
ability to move or affect things with the power of the mind. Of psychic abilities,
psycho-kinesis is one of the most rare. Few have been able to demonstrate this
ability, and even those demonstrations are by the skeptics.
On a British radio show in 1973, after demonstrating key-bending, to the
astonishment of the host, psychic Uri Geller invited listeners to participate. Phone
calls then began pouring in, reporting that knives, forks, spoons, keys and nails
began to bend and twist spontaneously. Watches and clocks that had not run in
years began to work. Geller became an instant celebrity, and was later humiliated on
television and then started suing everybody.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The Sun is in Cancer for the Summer Solstice on June 21st, and the New Moon is in
Cancer on the 22nd. Cancer is the sign of emotions, family, and safety, so expect
drama, nostalgia, or intense dynamics, possibly surrounding protecting your loved
ones.
Explore: Palmistry, the art and science of reading hands. By studying both hands
(the non-dominant hand reads the past, and the dominant hand reads the present),
the link between past and present can be seen. Here are a few examples of reading
the shapes of your fingers: Pointy fingers indicate someone who is artistic and
sensitive. Square fingers suggest an honest and methodical character. Heavy
fingers show a more physical nature. Long and slim signifies more of an emotional
type. Your index finger represents your ego. If it is shorter than your ring ringer, that
denotes a low self-esteem. If your index finger leans into your thumb, you are
ambitious. If it leans toward your middle finger, you may have a depressive
tendency. As we evolve, so do the hand lines on our palms.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Your caring approach toward others can help you build a strong support system.
People find your welcoming mood enjoyable to be around, so you’ll have folks
clambering to hang out with you.
Explore: Reincarnation is the mystical idea that the “soul” survives death and is
reborn into a new being. Belief in reincarnation is an ancient phenomenon. The
Buddhist version, called “Rebirth”, attaches the concept of karma to the process.
Good karma (actions of body, speech and mind) will result in a happier rebirth; bad
karma will provide more obstacles and struggle.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Don’t play it safe…you’ll need to go through some discomfort in order to grow and
become a happier person. The New Moon in Cancer on June 22nd may stir up
nostalgia, such as childhood memories, or the longing for something you once had
but don’t anymore. You’ve been known to be a good correspondent, and have
friends from around the world. Now is a good time to reconnect.
Explore: Deja-vu - The illusion of having already experienced something actually
being experienced for the first time. Parapsychologists (those who research
paranormal activities) may attribute déjà vu as a glimpsing a past or future life. Deja-
vu is a common enough occurrence (with a higher rate reported between people
aged 15 to 25). A scientific explanation says déjà vu is related to memory. The brain
divides into 3 sections: the frontal lobes are tied to the future; the limbic system
deals with the present, and the temporal lobes are concerned with the past. If you’re
having a lot of deja-vu, get your temporal lobes a check-up.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Choose frivolity over responsibility at least once this month! Relationships that make
you feel positive should be nurtured - individuals who cause you struggle and
negative emotions can be avoided. If you see someone like that coming, slowly back
up….
Explore: UFOs. Area 51, the military base located in Nevada, is a clandestine site
designed to develop and test experimental aircraft and weapons systems. Its secrecy
has fueled conspiracy theories having to do with UFOs. The U.S. Air Force coined
the phrase “UFO” in 1952 after repeated reports of unidentified objects that expert
investigators couldn’t explain. The first report of a sighting? In 1878, The Ohio Daily
News wrote that local farmer John Martin had reported seeing a large, dark, circular
flying object resembling a balloon flying "at wonderful speed." Martin also said it
appeared to be about the size of a saucer, the first known use of the word "saucer"
in association with a UFO.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The New Moon on June22nd may be a stressful one, with emotions running high.
Deal with it two ways: 1. Take a vacation!
2. Keep an open mind, and stay flexible in seeing another’s point of view. You can
still uphold your views and ideals without clashing over the differences of others.
June 16th is Youth Day in South Africa. On June 16, 1976, student leaders in
Soweto protested the injustices of the National Party and its apartheid regime. The
police then attacked the students, and spontaneous rioting occurred throughout the
country. Today this public holiday is symbolic of the struggle against tyranny. People
commemorate the Soweto Uprising Youth from all provinces of the country through
different activities. In Sekgosese, students organized an event with drama, poetry,
dance, and speeches. The Inspector of police of Sekgosese region said they are
concerned that many young people are currently being arrested. “These days,
young people no longer fight for their rights and needs, but they fight hard to
engage themselves in criminal activities like …robbery,” he said.
Explore: Automatic Writing. When using automatic writing to communicate with
spirits, the medium generally holds a pen or pencil and allows the spirit to
communicate through their hand. Cases are on record where a foreign language,
with which the subject has no experience, is written fluently. Although Automatic
Writing has occasionally produced work beyond the scope of the writer, most of it
turns out to be gibberish or writing that is indistinguishable from a conscious state.
There are a vast amount of writings that claim to be spirit-written, including plays,
poetry, essays, novels, and music. The best known of these are the some of the
works of Goethe and Victor Hugo.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Your mental neurons are firing on all cylinders this month. Too much in the way of
facts, figures, and ideas could veer you off track, though, so stay focused. Have a
party on June 21st!
Explore: OBEs. An out-of-body experience involves a sensation of floating outside
of one's body and, in some cases, seeing oneself outside one's body. Approximately
one in ten people have reportedly had an out-of-body experience at some time in
their lives. For some, the phenomenon occurs spontaneously, while for others it is a
result of drug use, or a near death experience. Recent studies have shown that
stimulating the temporal-parietal lobe junction can induce OBEs. Some claim to see
a silver cord linking their astral form to their physical body, which is used as a means
to return to the body.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Your sleep may be erratic until around June 17th. You will get extra strength from
loved ones. End of June will bring a clearing of the path for your life’s direction.
Explore: Extrasensory Perception. A Medium is a person with a psychic ability to
communicate with a spiritual entity. Information may be attained; energies may be
channeled; a spirit may manifest, or paranormal activity may occur. Mediums are
often revealed as frauds, but there continues to be interest in the phenomenon. J.B.
Rhine, a researcher at Duke University, coined the term ESP, which includes the
psychic abilities of telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. Also sometimes called
a “sixth sense”, it’s explained away by nonbelievers as mental illness or magician’s
parlor tricks.
***A Million!!!***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your dreams around the Full Moon on June 7th will be visionary and full of
adventure. There may be some kinks to work out with your plans, though. Conserve
your energy for a long trip ahead.
The Million Dollar Bridge was a bascule (seesaw) bridge built in 1916 which carried
traffic on Route 77 over the Fore River in Maine between Portland and South
Portland. In 1993, construction began on the higher Casco Bay Bridge; the new
bridge is on a new alignment just east of the original bridge, and is also a bascule
bridge. In 1996, during construction of the Million Dollar Bridge, it was hit by the
Liberian Tankship Julie N., and emergency repairs were made. The Casco Bay
Bridge opened in 1997.
The other “Million Dollar Bridge”, aka The Miles Glacier Bridge, was built in the early
1900s fifty miles from Cordova in what is now the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a multiple-
span Pennsylvania-truss bridge which completed a railroad line for the Copper River
and Northwestern Railway, built by J. P. Morgan and the Guggenheim family to haul
copper from an old mining town to the port of Cordova. It earned its nickname
because of its cost, which was recouped by the $200 million worth of copper ore,
which was shipped as a result of its construction. Work began in the 1950s but was
halted when the bridge, and much of the highway under construction, was damaged
by the Good Friday Earthquake in 1964. The bridge was permanently repaired in
2005.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Ease into any strenuous exercise this month, Bulls. Kinetic Mars is in your sign for
the whole month of June, so you may feel more energy in your body, but if you over-
exert, you may injure yourself. Your ruling planet, Venus, is also with you from June
6 until July 5 when it enters Gemini. Venus rules the arts, wealth, material pleasures,
and physical attraction.
Million Trees LA - “ Each tree planted needs water and care for its entire life. It’s
worth the work. Over its lifetime, that tree will pay you back in lower energy bills,
higher property values, cleaner air and water.” -Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, May
2006. Mayor Villaraigosa is committed to making Los Angeles the largest, cleanest,
and greenest city in the United States. The Million Trees L.A. (MTLA) Initiative will
accomplish this through public-private partnerships that will plant one million trees
throughout Los Angeles.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
A miasma is gathering around you, Twins. Have you set unrealistic goals for
yourself? Confront obstacles with a “glass half-full” mentality, as this will help you
see things more clearly. This month, metaphysical queries will evoke emotional
responses.
Million Mom March - What began as one of the largest marches on Washington is
now a national network that works locally, and together, in their fight against gun
violence. As part of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Million Mom
March Chapters believe that
-Americans have the right to be safe from gun violence
-Children have the right to grow up in environments free from the threat of gun
violence
-Gun violence is a public health crisis that harms not only the physical, but also the
spiritual, social, and economic health of our families and communities.
-The availability and lethality of guns make death or severe injury more likely in
domestic violence, criminal activity, suicide attempts, and unintentional shootings.
-It is possible to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by gun violence
with reasonable, common sense policy.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
A Sagittarius Full Moon on June 7th encourages risk-taking in your life. Are you
feeling charitable? Make sure your philanthropic ventures are agreed on by all those
affected (i.e., run it by your girlfriend, husband, or boss first.)
Sittin’ on a Million: The Sometimes True Story of Mame Faye, who ran a famous
house of prostitution in Troy, New York for almost forty years (c. 1906 to 1941).
Sittin’ on a Million (2008, 26 minutes) presents this story, alongside vintage erotica,
reenactments, and street performances. “The film asks us to consider the role of
memory and imagination in creating history, and reminds us about all those ordinary,
extraordinary people erased from the official record. Sittin' on a Million won the "Most
Badass" award at the 2009 Iowa City Documentary Film Festival.” www.mamefaye.
com
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Sudden reserves of energy will enable you to succeed against all odds. The Full
Moon in Sagittarius on June 7th will empower you to either move on after a
disappointment, or create a new plan of adventure for yourself.
How to Steal a Million - 1966 Romantic comedy with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’
Toole about a woman who must steal a statue from a Paris museum to help conceal
her father's art forgeries, and the man who helps her. “S-S-S-H-H-H-H-H - Meet a
couple of smart operators who give a lesson in love and larceny.”
Million Dollar Baby - 2004 movie that won Best Director for Clint Eastwood, Best
Supporting Actor for Morgan Freeman, Best Actress for Hilary Swank and Best
Motion Picture of the Year.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You may decide to seek a more enlightened path, Virgos. Equating success less with
tangible objects and more with your impact on the world around you is a good start.
www.rescueamillion.org Their mission is: “to plant a million trees and rescue a million
children from poverty by the year 2015. Rescue a Million's project partners are
currently working in over 50 countries, and self-perpetuating programs allow you to
help save children and the environment now while planting seeds for an even
greater future impact. Part of every gift you give immediately helps a child while
another portion plants a tree. When the trees are harvested, additional funds
become available to save more children and plant more trees”
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Avoid the old “Hatfields and McCoys” scenario, Libras. A longstanding feud will do no
one any good! Focus on goodwill instead of getting bogged down with who is right
and wrong. Sometimes “justice” isn’t the be-all, end-all of a dispute. Shake hands
and move on.
Million Mums “is an initiative to bring people together to end the needless deaths of
women in childbirth all over the world.
Our aims are simple: sign up a million people and raise a million pounds to help
prevent women from dying needlessly in pregnancy and childbirth.” www.
millionmums.org
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You’ll have to make sacrifices and adjustments in the areas of work, health, or
service-oriented individuals. You may need to adapt to changes, and prepare for
that which is coming up in your life.
www.amillionkeys.com A Million Keys is a blog based in New York talking about
music and art. “Choice selections from past and present. Disco to deafening, minimal
to manic, the bizarre and the beautiful. Contemporary art - emerging artists or
projects I find worthy of attention. Exhibition reviews, studio visits, interviews, the
gamut.” Blogged by Ceci Moss, a writer, musician, DJ, and curator, she got the name
from the song All the time right in front of your eyes A million keys To a thousand
eyes— The Homosexuals, A Million Keys
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarians, you can learn to take a more balanced view of
friendship and how you relate to friends. What is it you truly care about, and why are
you so touchy about it?
Million Man March - African-American men from across the country gathered on
Washington's National Mall in 1995, and again in 2005 for a massive demonstration
of "unity, atonement and brotherhood".
Organized by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, the men were asked to pledge
to "clean up their lives and rebuild their neighborhoods". Many of the participants
said they were optimistic that the peaceful day of praying, singing and speechmaking
would lead to more understanding between the races. Farrakhan led the huge crowd
in pledges to "commit to stopping the scourges of drugs, violence and
unemployment".
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The June 7th Full Moon in Sagittarius will induce you to catch some adventure. Hang-
gliding? Skateboard racing? River rafting?
A Million Little Pieces - When Oprah Winfrey announced that author James Frey's
nonfiction memoir of his vomit-caked years as an alcoholic, drug addict, and criminal,
was her latest selection in her book club, the book hit the best-seller list. It was soon
discovered that this “nonfiction memoir” was filled with fabrications, falsehoods, and
fakery.
Moral to us all: Do not try to pass off fiction as fact, which reminds me of something
my dad said: “It is never a good idea to believe a made-up story as if it were the
truth.” - Thomas McMahon
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You’ll be tangling with provocative and possibly stubborn individuals. Meeting new
people with whom you share common goals or passions will open your life up to new
experiences, but make sure your time alone daydreaming stays intact. You need
that time to recharge your own unique personality.
Millions Against Monsanto Campaign - The Organic Consumers Association
(OCA) is grassroots non-profit campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability.
The OCA deals with food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering,
children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, and environmental
sustainability. OCA has a campaign to Mobilize One Million Consumers to End
Monsanto's Global Corporate Terrorism.
For example, “Oakhurst Dairy has been owned and operated by the same Maine
family since 1921, and Monsanto recently attempted to put them out of business.
Oakhurst, like many other dairy producers in the U.S., has been responding to
consumer demand to provide milk free of rBGH, a synthetic hormone banned (for
health reasons) in every industrialized country other than the U.S.
Monsanto, the number one producer of the rBGH synthetic steroid, sued Oakhurst,
claiming they should not have the right to inform their customers that their dairy
products do not contain the Monsanto chemical. Given the intense pressure from the
corporation, Oakhurst was forced to settle out of court, leaving many other dairies
vulnerable to similar attacks from Monsanto.” www.organicconsumers.org
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Keep your secrets to yourself, Pisces. Your goals and ambitions will gather strength
inside you, but if you start blabbing about them, their intensity may diminish.
Million Fishes - “Million Fishes is an incubating program for emerging artists of
visual art, film making, choreography / dance, music, conceptual art, new media,
interactive art, and writing to build the tools necessary to establish themselves as
contributors of art. We are a Each artist has his/her own living quarters; they share 2
kitchens, 3 bathrooms, a darkroom, a dance/yoga studio, a courtyard and one open
gallery space. Million Fishes Artist Collective in San Francisco has one slot available
for a live-in dedicated artist, starting June 1, 2009” www.millionfishes.com
***Sightsee New England!***
May 15-30
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
The New Moon on the 24th will be in Gemini, and will instigate a planning phase.
Hmm, what plans be hatching in yer mind, Ram?
See: Hike the Appalachian Trail. More than 500 public roads cross the
Appalachian Trail, and there are parking areas at or near many of these crossings.
The map of the A.T. provides information on the location of the Trail www.
appalachiantrail.org
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Idealism is running rampant, Bulls! Taking shortcuts may be an acceptable way to
realize your vision without spending every waking minute on it. Happy 39th Birthday
to actress/producer Tina Fey on May 18th Tina, thanks for making it so fun to laugh
at Sarah Palin!
See: Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT. “Overlooking sparkling Lake
Quassapaug, the park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions. There is
a beach and a water park with a gigantic Jungle Gym that incorporates state-of-the-
art technology with H2o. We have more than 100 games to choose from including
old-time favorites like Skee-Ball, Pinball, Pac-Man and Galaga.”(Tickets are about
$20 per person)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
A Gemini New Moon on May 24th will see an expansive social calendar. This is a
great time for you to explore your mystical side. Going on a quest for knowledge is
right up your alley, and there is something mysterious about it this time. Will you go
to a Navajo ritual, walk across hot coals, learn some Voodoo?
See: The Budweiser Clydesdales are mascots, and you can meet these famous
equines by visiting the Clydesdale Hamlet at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in
Merrimack, New Hampshire. Take a free brewery tour, and say hello to the
Clydesdales at their picturesque stables on the property, which are open to the
public year-round. The tour concludes with free beer samples!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your intuition is solid. Rationally telling someone that communication is important will
work. Be careful not to go the extra step and shame that person for having
communicated poorly. A gentle touch is all that’s needed.
See: Olde Mystick Village in Mystic, Connecticut. “Let us take you back to a
tranquil period of life where you can relax and shop in a leisurely way. Step back into
the 1700s. Experience Early American charm and beauty. Linger in more than forty
quaint shops, which feature many unique items from around the world found only at
Olde Mistick Village.”
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You may need to change your mindset about a particular issue. Whether you need
to lighten up, see the humorous side of it, or be flexible to compromise, you’ll get
better results with a change.
See: Acadia National Park. There is an excellent new book out called Time and
Tide in Acadia; Seasons on Mount Desert Island, by Christopher Camuto. It includes
history of the area, geographical narrative and the author‘s own experiences. There
are photographs and exposition of the landscape, from the marsh and the rocky
ocean cliffs, to the woods and the mountains. Camuto’s love of the Downeast shines
when he describes the birds that are inextricable from the scenery, the fog that
enshrouds daybreak, burning off to reveal mountain summits, and the dramatic
spectacle when a storm blows through. If you have never been to Acadia, reading
this book will make your anticipation greater, and if you have been there, reading
this will bring back powerful sense memories.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
If you are trying to master everything you do, you are setting yourself up for self-
recrimination. Prioritize what is truly important to you, and forgive yourself for the
stuff you have to let go of. You have my permission to fail or give up on some
things.
See: Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Take your dog
along if you have one, and he can sit in a pew if he’d like to pray. There is a chapel
and art gallery, nature trails, swimming ponds and other delights of the 400 scenic
acres that surround the chapel on Dog Mountain.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
An uncharacteristic bout of rigid thinking may plague you this month, Libra. Those
around you may have to put up with stubborn scales for a few weeks. C’est la vie.
See: Stroll along the Cliff Walk in historic Newport, Rhode Island. This 4-mile
pathway by the sea is one of New England's most scenic walks, with views of
Newport's legendary mansions as well as the ocean vistas surrounding them.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Start writing your memoirs, Scorps. You’ve had plenty of experiences to get started
with. Losing your mind and then finding it again could fill an entire volume.
See: Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. Stretching from Bartlett on the south to lake
Saco on the north, this section of the White Mountains offers the Arethusa Falls and
the Silver and Flume Cascades waterfalls. Other attractions in the area include:
Storyland, Six Gun City, Santa’s Village, Frankenstein Cliffs, Loon Mountain, Lost
River, North Conway Shopping Outlets, Old Man of the Mountains (Franconia
Notch), and Pinkham Notch. Crawford Notch General Store & Campground, Harts
Location, NH www.crawfordnotchcamping.com
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarian rebel poet/artist/romantic visionary William Blake (1757 –1827) said “The
road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom”. Blake and his wife were extremely
unconventional, and visitors tell of stopping by the Blake
house to find them sitting out in their back garden completely naked. Blake abhorred
slavery, and believed in racial and sexual equality. Blake, despite his prodigious
works of poetry and his beautiful artwork- died unrecognized.
Your insecurities may be exaggerated this month, Sags. Keep one foot anchored in
reality, please. If you need help separating fact from fantasy, take a poll of ten
people around you.
See: Hobbamocks Homesite, located three miles north of the Plymouth,
Massachusetts waterfront. The Plymouth Plantation is an absolutely incredible, living
history museum. A re-creation of a 1627 Pilgrim village with homes, storehouses,
animal pens, and fields planted for harvest stretch up the hillside from the water’s
edge, including the neighboring Wampanoag Indian community—Hobbamock's
Homesite. The guides who live and work at Plymouth Plantation are not simply
actors. They have studied their particular character in depth and live as that
historical person. You can purchase a ticket for the Plantation, the Homesite and the
Mayflower II.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The May 24th New Moon in Gemini will find teamwork to be the most fruitful means to
an end. Capricorns often like to work alone, but reach out of your comfort zone if
you have to, and pitch in for the team. There is also space this month to relax,
daydream and catch some rays.
See: The Cape Cod Potato Chip Company has been making its signature kettle-
cooked chips in Hyannis, Massachusetts, since 1980. Tours of the factory are free,
and you get to see how chips are made. You'll even get a free sample of Cape Cod
Potato Chips at the end of the tour. Right on!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
If you’ve been contemplating a name change, this is a great time to do it. Whether it’
s your business, your nickname, or your surname (If your last name of
“Smellybottom” has been passed down for generations, perhaps you are the brave
soul who will legally change it to “Smithbutton”.
See: Cathedral of the Pines, which is on a rural hilltop with the Grand Monadnock
Mountain in the background. This nondenominational sanctuary in Rindge, New
Hampshire, is a place to revel in nature's beauty, and to connect to it in whatever
way suits you...
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Any anger or irritation you feel right now can be squelched by distracting yourself
with a good marathon. Not up for the Sugarloaf Marathon in Eustis on May 17th?
Rent DVDs of a TV show you haven’t seen and spend all day watching it. I’d
recommend The Riches, Weeds, or Slings and Arrows.
See: Eartha, in Yarmouth, Maine. Eartha is the world's largest revolving globe, a
three-story replica of the planet that is on display year-round. Eartha is a Guinness
World Record holder, and admission is free! Another local sightseeing destination is
the Desert of Maine in Freeport, a phenomenon of a former forest where the winds
of time have laid bare more than 40 acres of sand, now formed into sand dunes, but
inland from the ocean. To find this phenomenon (open from early May until mid-
October), take I-95 to exit 19 and then drive two miles west on Desert Road.
***Sandwiches by the Stars ***
May 1-15
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Happy Mother’s Day on May 10th to all those mothers out there A Full Moon in
Scorpio on May 9th may reveal the complexity in a relationship. An innocent remark
may open a can of worms
Your sandwich: The Italian “Panini”, which refers to a type of bread called
“panino”. The sandwich is pressed flat and cooked with the contents in it. You should
also try a Croque-Monsieur, the French version of a toasted ham and cheese
sandwich. Croque comes from the verb croquer or to crunch . The feminine version
of the Mister Crunchy sandwich is the Croque Madam , which adds a fried egg on
top.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
This month was named for the Earth goddess Maia. On May 1st the Celtic
celebration Beltane marks Spring with light, fairies, and flowers. May 2nd is the birth
date of Leonardo DaVinci (490 years ago). He said, “As a well-spent day brings
happy sleep; so a life well used brings a happy death.” That quote might’ve been
more eloquent in Italian, but the concept is lovely.
Friends and family figure prominently in your life this month, especially during the
May 9th Full Moon in Scorpio. The energy from that moon may reveal personality
traits that have been hidden until now. If you are open-minded and willing to accept a
new facet of your loved one, you’ll be rewarded with a closer bond.
Your sandwich: A BLT - bacon, lettuce, and tomato, or a Cheesesteak sandwich
made from strips of steak and cheese, sometimes with peppers and onion, heralding
from Philadelphia. Both of these sandwiches are simple, which appeals to you, Bulls,
but they are also not low-fat. You know what I’m talking about
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Beware false prophets this month, Twins. What people say and what they do can be
wildly divergent. You may be impatient to get a new project off the ground, but take
your time and make sure that you have the right people involved. Someone may be
telling you what you want to hear without the intention to follow through. Look ahead
to May 24th, when a New Moon in your sign will illuminate channels of
communication that will provide you with the answers you need. Until then, I’d hold off
signing any contracts.
Your sandwich: The milagro is a Cuban meat sandwich: marinated, slow-cooked
pork ganged into a baguette slathered with garlicky mayonnaise, then mounded
again with cilantro, jalapeños, and fat O’s of caramelized onions.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 9th sets the stage for romance, Crabs. Add a boat
ride or an evening walk on the beach, and you’ve got a recipe for fireworks
Your sandwich: The tuna melt - tuna, Wonder bread, Velveeta, and a clothes iron.
Or: Havarti, for creaminess; mozzarella for gooeyness; gorgonzolla for bite. Add
fresh basil and grilled tomato for a perfect sandwich.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Mercury retrograde this month can cause snafus and misunderstandings. Confirm
any reservations you have, and think through what you say before speaking so as to
avoid offending anyone inadvertently (i.e. the pitfall, “Oh, congratulations - you’re
pregnant )
Your sandwich: The Monte Cristo sandwich - bread, turkey, ham, and Swiss dipped
in batter and grilled like French toast. The New York version is a sweet, meaty
sponge sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with strawberry jam.
For an adventurous Leo, try a Vegemite or a Marmite sandwich, which are
concentrated yeast extracts. Vegemite first appeared in 1922 when a young chemist
discovered an edible spread made of brewer's yeast. Back then, it was described as
delicious on sandwiches and toast.” It is an acquired taste, and is one of the world's
richest known sources of Vitamin B. Marmite is a cult British favorite and is a dark
brown, salty paste with an intense flavor similar to soy sauce. Nigella Lawson has a
recipe for Marmite sandwiches where she whisks butter and Marmite together and
spreads it on bread.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
No walking down Congress Street this month, Virgos. In fact, this is not an ideal
month for any sort of travel. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if something freaky happens
to you while you’re walking from Vespucci’s to Colucci’s.
Your sandwich: Reuben sandwich - An American sandwich with sauerkraut, Swiss
cheese and corned beef or pastrami on rye bread.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You are gracious and generous when dealing with the public, and you make an
excellent ambassador. If you are mentoring or hosting someone, this comes naturally
to you, but make sure you are taking care of your own self, too. Get enough sleep, a
good diet, fresh air and exercise. Duh, I know, but you Libras will give and give until
you make yourselves sick. Find the balance between your impulse to self-sacrifice,
and putting yourself first.
Your sandwich: The Fluffernutter is a variation on peanut butter & jelly. Peanut
butter and Fluff is a New England regional sandwich. A healthier alternative, the
Caprese -mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, appeals to your sense of beauty with the
colors and fragrant ingredients.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are the most solitary creatures in the Zodiac. They really need their space.
Don’t rely on other people to ensure that you get some quiet time to recharge your
batteries. You have to be proactive and set time for yourself. On another note, be
cautious when hiring someone to do a repair for you - get a second opinion; check
references and even the school that the professional says they graduated from. This
is a time when folks may be deceptive to get a job.
Your sandwich: Quesadillas, or the spicy torta, (Mexican sandwich): breaded carne
asada, cheese, avocado, and jalapeños on a toasted roll. Dip it in salsa or hot sauce.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Misunderstandings may occur this May with Mercury in retrograde. Double check
arrangements and communicate clearly. You will benefit from extra time alone this
month, also. The May 9th Full Moon in Scorpio may cause strange relationship
entanglements. Stay home alone that night is my advice.
Your sandwich: Gyros or Souvlaki from Greece. These are meat or falafel in pita
bread. The sliced lamb gets a quick char while you choose toppings --including hot
sauce, hummus, tabouleh, tahini, yogurt-cucumber sauce, and vegetables.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn epitomizes foundation and structure. Your greatest fear may be having
your home built on shifting sand. Macho Mars is influencing you emotionally this
month. It may feel like intense Spring Fever, and you want to be impulsive. My
advice is not to leap into or out of a relationship too quickly. This could create the
sand analogy that would wind up freaking you out later on.
Your sandwich: The “Elvis” is a fried sandwich with peanut butter, bananas, and
sometimes bacon.
For a spicier experience, try a “Mother-in-Law” sandwich, hailing from Mississippi. It’s
a hot tamale in a big hot dog bun, smothered in peppers, onions and chili.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Do you feel like you’re supposed to be in two places at once? Or even three places
at once? Don’t forget that the pace of your life is up to you. You enjoy being in the
center of the action, but if you’ve over-committed yourself, there is nothing wrong
with bailing out of a thing or two. Please be cautious while on the roads - driving,
biking , and even walking may be more hazardous than usual this month.
Your sandwich: Hoagie - Regional to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, a
hoagie is similar to a sub and uses olive oil with meats on a roll. An Eggplant
Parmesan sandwich is also up your alley, Aquarius. Even a Sloppy Joe would do the
trick for you - hamburger in spaghetti sauce on a bun, simple, delicious, and messy
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You’ll be drawn to mystery around the time of the May 9th Full Moon in Scorpio.
Dreaming of exploring unknown lands, but don’t have the funds to travel? Try
Couchsurfing (www.couchsurfing.com) for a free way to see new places and meet
new people.
Your sandwich: Seafood Salad. Try it with French bread, crusty and soft in the
middle. A Hot Lobster Roll also appeals to you, Pisces.
April 15 - 29
***Your natural habitat ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. If you plant a tree, you’ll have Arbor Day
covered, too! The stars are telling me that your romantic partner will come to you in
a dream. Like, literally, I think.
Natural habitat: Climbing Mt. Everest, or in the fire department.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Listen to some jazz music this month. There is an emphasis on music and spirituality
for you this Spring. Happy Birthday to my two favorite Taurus’s - Bobby Lipps on the
29th and my mom, Carol, on the 27th!
Natural habitat: Farmlands, gardens, or tables (kitchen or massage)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You may find yourself drawn to people who need help. This could be a signal that
you should be in the healing profession. If you are not in a healing type of
profession, you may need an outlet for your sympathetic energy. Perhaps
volunteering at a nursing home?
Natural habitat: Libraries, bookstores, or surfing the Internet
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Try to soak up as much sunshine as possible this month, Crabbies. It will mellow you
right out! You may be moving on to greener pastures, and others will marvel at your
laid-back attitude during this new journey.
Natural habitat: With children, at home, or floating in water
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You are feeling generous, eh, Leos? You may be poised to give away the shirt off
your back, which is a positive disposition, but may not be practical right now. Wait a
few months before sacrificing all of your worldly possessions. In the meantime, read
The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs.
In the author’s words:
“The Year of Living Biblically is about my quest to live the ultimate biblical life. To
follow every single rule in the Bible – as literally as possible. I obey the famous ones:
The Ten Commandments
Love thy neighbor
Be fruitful and multiply
But also, the hundreds of oft-ignored ones.
Do not wear clothes of mixed fibers.
Do not shave your beard
Stone adulterers
Why? Well, I grew up in a very secular home (I’m officially Jewish but I’m Jewish in
the same way the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant)… was I missing something
essential to being a human? Or was half the world deluded?
The book that came out of the year has several layers.
-An exploration of some of the Bible’s startlingly relevant rules. I tried not to covet,
gossip, or lie for a year. I’m a journalist in New York. This was not easy.
--An investigation of the rules that baffle the 21st century brain. How to justify the
laws about stoning homosexuals? Or smashing idols? Or sacrificing oxen? And how
do you follow those in modern-day Manhattan?
--A look at various fascinating religious groups. I embedded myself among several
groups that take the Bible literally in their own way, from creationists to snake
handlers, Hasidim to the Amish.
--A critique of fundamentalism. I became the ultra-fundamentalist. I found that
fundamentalists may claim to take the Bible literally, but they actually just pick and
choose certain rules to follow. By taking fundamentalism extreme, I found that
literalism is not the best way to interpret the Bible.
--A spiritual journey. As an agnostic, I’d never seriously explored such things as
sacredness and revelation.
--A memoir of my family’s eccentric religious history, including my ex-uncle Gil, who
has been, among other things, a Hindu cult leader, an evangelical Christian and an
Orthodox Jew.”
Natural habitat: Desert; On stage/screen or dance floors
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Get ready for some scatterbrained antics displayed by your friends! The planets
aligned in dreamy Pisces are affecting people in a zany way. Wild imaginations and
inconsistent emotions may run rampant for a few weeks. There will be some good
time to be had, though, if you can tolerate the weirdness.
Natural habitat: City streets; Rainforest; Health food stores
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Did putting away your pretty Easter decorations bum you out? You may not feel like
being creative right now, but if you need a pick-me-up, why not make a lovely Spring
floral
arrangement or tie-dye some t-shirts for the kids in your life?
Natural habitat: Social gatherings, fashion shows, or in a courtroom
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The April 24th New Moon will pique your curiosity regarding a certain mystery. Try to
get to the bottom of it by asking around and getting all sides of the story.
Natural habitat: On a rocky cliff, observing from the shadows, doing research, or in
bed
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
The New Moon on April 24th (also Arbor Day - plant a tree!) will inspire you to finish
a project around the house. If you are taking care of someone who is ill, there may
be a follow-up you need to accomplish regarding his or her health.
Natural habitat: Hiking the Grand Canyon, or at a podium
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
You know how they say that people lighten up with age? Regardless of how old you
are, you’ll be feeling some of that flexibility coming your way soon. Your grip is
loosened; tension eases, and recreation becomes more valued.
Natural habitat: On a mountain, on a Board of Directors, at a networking brunch,
or a time management seminar.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You might like to acquire a new pet this month. Make sure you can afford it first, but
if you can, it will bring much joy into your life.
Natural habitat: Protest demonstrations, volunteering for charity, inside the latest
virtual technology
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You may be drawn to glamour this Spring. Reaching out of your comfort zone will
allow you to dive right into the reflecting pool, waterfall, or champagne fountain.
Natural habitat: Art galleries, concert halls, spiritual gatherings, or walking in the
woods
April 1 - April 15
***Take a Vacation ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Romance and fantasy equal some potential misunderstandings this month, Aries.
The Full Moon on April 9th will illuminate the talents of those in your relationship
sector. With Venus (romance) traveling retrograde through Pisces (fantasy) from
now until April 16th, make sure you have clear channels of communication to avoid
embarrassing declarations of love. Happy 204th Birthday to Hans Christian
Anderson, who wrote killer fairy tales.
"He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to
enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him; for the great
swans swam round the newcomer, and stroked his neck with their beaks, as a
welcome." - The Ugly Duckling
Vacation deal: 9 Day cruise to Portugal. Fly to Florida ($200RT) and sail on the
Crown Princess on April 26. The ship has dining, entertainment and activity options,
including three main dining rooms, two specialty restaurants, Caribbean-themed
Café Caribe, extensive buffet, and pizzeria. Practice your swing at the golf simulator,
relax poolside or dance the night away at Skywalkers Nightclub. Ports of Call:
Departs From Ft. Lauderdale, visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores; Lisbon, and Portugal.
Total expense $700 - $800
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The perfect travel time for you is mid-month, between the April 9th Full Moon and the
April 24th New Moon (in your sign). Your curiosity about the world is stimulated, and
you’ll want to discover new things via travel and research.
Vacation deal: NYC, baby! Fly from PWM to Laguardia on Saturday morning, stay 2
nights at The Club Quarters Downtown, and return Monday evening. Located in the
center of historical New York, Club Quarters is just a short walk from the Stock
Exchange, South Sea Seaport, site of the World Trade Center, ferry to Ellis Island,
and the Statue of Liberty, as well as Battery Park and Bowling Green. The hotel’s
Bull Run bar and restaurant is acclaimed for fine dining. Hotel amenities include
room service, ice/vending machines, concierge, housekeeping, 24-hour security,
laundry/valet services, and fitness center. Total price $450 for 3 days.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
There is money to be made from your old stuff, Twins. Clean out your possessions
with an eagle eye for buried treasure. Either E-bay it, take it to a consignment shop,
or have a yard sale. Also, check all of the pockets in your pants, coats, and bags.
Something valuable will surface.
Vacation deal: Niagra Falls by rail! Take Amtrak from Portland to New York ($100),
then to Niagara Falls ($150), and stay at The Glengate Hotel, a 15-minute walk from
the casino and the falls. Hotel amenities include the free breakfast, 24-hour casino
shuttle, satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, and air-conditioning. Total
package: approx. $550 for 3 nights.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Do you feel the tug of Spring’s gentle breeze at your coattails? With it comes a
longing to see new places, and connect with something larger than your own
immediate surroundings. When you become wholeheartedly engaged in a project
this April, you will discover a new sense of connectedness.
Vacation deal: The Windy City! On Monday, April 6, fly from PWM to Chicago, IL.
Return Friday, April 10. Stay at the Chicago O’Hare Garden Hotel, which is just 2
miles from O’Hare Airport, as well as the convention center, and 1 block from the
train station to downtown Chicago. It offers free Airport shuttle and free high-speed
internet access, free Express Breakfast, Free Parking, Health Club, Restaurant, Pets
OK, and Room service. An exciting and enjoyable experience for the upscale
traveler, this hotel provides a warm & engaging atmosphere with personalized
boutique, savvy services and a trendy style. Book your tickets to an Oprah show,
catch some tunes at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge -jazz, dixieland, bebop,
progressive - played by legendary figures, as well as young lions. See a play at the
Second City Theater or the Steppenwolf Theater, and take a tour of the Recovery,
Inc. national headquarters. Flight + 4 nights hotel: $492. (Receive the 4th night free
through Orbitz.com.)
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Keep an eye on your competition, Lions. Someone who may seem supportive may
be angling for your job! You have a tendency to trust everyone, and we love your
positive nature. Just make sure to check references! Read Undertaker of the Mind:
John Monro and Mad-Doctoring in Eighteenth-Century England (Medicine and
Society) “Undertaker of the Mind is a wide-ranging study of the place of madness in
18th century English culture and society, seen through the prism of John Monro's life
and medical career. A physician at Bethlem Hospital, the archetypal Bedlam, and
Britain's first and (for hundreds of years) only public institution for the insane, Dr.
John Monro (1715-1791) was a celebrity in his own day. Jonathan Andrews and
Andrew Scull call him a connoisseur of insanity, this high priest of the trade in
lunacy. Andrews and Scull draw on an astonishing array of sources that include the
diaries, family papers, and correspondence of some of England's wealthiest
citizens.
The book is also distinctive in the coverage it affords to individual case histories of
Monro's patients, including such prominent contemporary figures as the Earls
Ferrers and Orford, the religious enthusiast Alexander Cruden, and the mad King
George III, as well as his crazy would-be assassin, Margaret Nicholson.”
Vacation deal: London, England Sat, Apr 11 - Tue, Apr 14. Fly from PWM to
Heathrow, stay at the Holiday Inn Maidstone-Sevenoaks in the West Kent area. This
borough of Chelsea/ Kensington is in the west side of central London, and west of
the City of Westminster. Notable attractions and institutions in Kensington include:
Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens, the Royal Albert Hall opposite the Albert
Memorial in Hyde Park, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Leeds Castle, Hop Farm,
and a 10-minute journey to Brands Hatch (Grand Prix racing). Once you’ve seen the
sites, relax and unwind in the Jacuzzi & Spa. Total price for 4 days: $600 - $700.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Let’s celebrate April 10th, the 160th anniversary of the safety pin’s invention. Safety
pins were a great idea. How will you celebrate? How about making a safety pin
necklace to give to your secret crush? You need to plan a getaway, Virgos.
Whether it’s business or relaxation, international or to Vinylhaven for the weekend,
you need to go! Some configuration of the planets is telling me this, but it’s pretty
complicated, so take my word on it.
Vacation deal: Fly from PWM to Frankfurt, Germany! Leave on April 11th, and
return on April 15th. Stay at the Express by Holiday Inn Frankfurt, located eight miles
from Frankfurt International Airport and 13 miles from Frankfurt's city center. Local
attractions include The Goethe House, and Wiesbaden Casino. Get a taste of old
Frankfurt in the Sachsenhausen neighborhood. Wander the cobblestone streets
lined with half-timbered houses, visit a museum, or stroll the banks of the Main River.
Then visit one of the neighborhood's many ebbelwoi, or cider taverns, for German
fare with a Frankfurt twist--instead of beer, you'll be chugging local hard apple cider.
Total price for 3 days: $550.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Happy Passover, beginning April 9th, to all of our Jewish friends. If you’ve been
burning the candle at both ends, watch out for a rude interruption to your
workaholism. Around the 9th, with the Full Moon in your sign, your need for
accolades may reach a pinnacle where you have no choice but to fall off of the
pedestal. Whether it’s an accident, a sudden change of heart, or a life-altering
event, you’ll be forced to slow down, one way or another.
Vacation deal: Toronto, Canada! The Bond Place Hotel is ideally located in the
heart of downtown Toronto at Yonge and Dundas Square - close to the Eaton
Centre. The Hotel is centrally located within walking distance to all major attractions,
including the Toronto Convention Centre, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Royal Ontario
Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Harbourfront. Enjoy a night at the theatre or
dinner in a wide variety of restaurants, all within minutes of the hotel. The Toronto
subway system is an inexpensive and efficient way to explore the city. $100/night,
plus $400 airfare puts the package at $700 for a 3-night stay.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Difficult planetary alignments warn you not to push too hard (yourself or others). Cut
down on your stress level by swimming with the tide for awhile. One of my favorite
sayings from the self-help of Recovery, Inc “Don’t be a saint, a Spartan, a hero or a
martyr. Be a good, average person”. In other words, relax, buster!
Vacation deal: The Bayou! Fly on April 5th from PWM to New Orleans’ Louis
Armstrong International Airport. (Flight time, 5 hours). Stay at the Maison Dupuy
Hotel in the French Quarter for 4 nights. Volunteer for a day with Hands On New
Orleans. Visit the 3 Ring Circus Arts Center. Take the Hurricane Katrina Tour, and
travel through neighborhoods such as Lakeview, Gentilly, New Orleans East, and the
Ninth Ward. Afterwards, you'll have a better understanding of events pre- and post-
Katrina and know more about the rebirth of New Orleans. Take the Voodoo
Cemetery Tour, the Honey Island Swamp Tour and the Garden District tour. Total
price $550.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
You are the strong and silent type. We like that about you, Sags. Make an
impression on us this month by sharing your darkest thoughts, deepest fears, and
sacredly held long-term plans. Your self- confidence in opening up will be infectious.
Vacation deal: $1,600 for round trip airfare and 6 nights in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam! First you take the bus to Boston, and then fly to Vietnam. Located in the
City’s diplomatic area, only 5 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Liberty 1
Hotel will provide you the homey comfort when apart from home. The hotel provides
amenities like ballroom, banquet facilities, bar, beauty salon/ hairdresser, business
centre, currency exchange, doctor on call, dry cleaning,Internet access-wireless,
laundry service, night club, reception, restaurant, room service-24 hrs, safe deposit
box, smoke –free hotel, spa service and tour desk. Breakfast is included.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Opt for casual destinations where you can hang tight alone or with a bud. Plan a trip
for late April or May, as conditions for travel aren’t great for you in the first two weeks
of April. You’ve had a hectic Winter, and you need some chill time now.
Vacation deal: Fly from PWM to our nation’s capital! Stay in the thick of things at
The Holiday Inn Georgetown, which is three miles from the center of Washington DC.
Local attractions include Georgetown University, Embassy Row, American University,
Dumbarton Oaks, The White House, Smithsonian Institution, Lincoln Memorial, and
Union Station. Hotel amenities include complimentary local area shuttle to and from
local Metro Station, laundry/dry cleaning, newsstand, room service, gift shop,
seasonal outdoor pool, and fitness center. Drinks and dining are available at John
F's Market Cafe and Lounge. Total price: $450 for 3 days and two nights
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
The itch to travel will be fierce when, on April 9th, the Full Moon in Libra lands in
your “House of Faraway Places”. No joke. Plan a trip with both educational and
spiritual aspects to it for the maximum satisfaction. This trip will relax, re-center, re-
invigorate you!
Vacation deal: Arabian Sights! Fly from PWM to Dubai (a 17- hour trip), the most
populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern
coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai lies directly within the
Arabian Desert. Stay for 6 nights at the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, which is
perfectly placed in the heart of fashionable Bur Dubai, just minutes away from the
Central Business District, the Dubai Museum, Heritage Village and the World Trade
Centre. The Apartments are in modern buildings, located in the most cosmopolitan
area of Dubai. An ancient land alive with modern marvels, Dubai represents the
height of extravagance. Stroll through labyrinths of luxury residences and resorts on
the artificially-designed Palm Islands, lined with date and coconut trees. Or take a
safari tour to jagged mountains, Bedouin villages, and storied archaeological sites.
Eat some shawarma (a Middle Eastern Arabic-style wrap with meat). Shawarma is a
staple across the Middle East. The classic shawarma is pita bread, hummus, tomato
& cucumber, and shaved meat.
Total Flight and 6 nights Hotel = $1,621
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You have some Spring Fever going on, Pisces! Look for a new approach to love and
companionship with the Libra Full Moon on April 9th. Venus is moving backwards
into your sign from April 11 - 24, so get ready for some romantic upheaval. This
same time period promises some luck to come your way. You can offset the expense
of your trip by searching out the lucky finds. They may be in your attic, at a yard
sale, or in a brilliant moneymaking idea, such as hiring yourself out to babysit, or
make all natural pomegranate lotions to sell to people…
Vacation deal: Hawaii! $1,500 for round trip airfare and 7 nights at the Waikiki
Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Situated only steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach
and the Pacific Ocean, the variety of services available is nothing short of
spectacular. From freshwater heated swimming pools and tantalizing dining to
fascinating cultural performances and classes, this elegant Waikiki beach hotel
resort is an incomparable tropical retreat. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens.
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the two heated freshwater swimming pools. Savor a
sumptuous meal in an onsite restaurant - followed by fantastic Hawaiian
entertainment. Take a day trip to Honolulu and visit the Punahou School where our
President attended. Mahalo!
March 18 - April 1
***Hair by the Stars***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
There will be a New Moon in Aries on March 26th, which is symbolic of a fresh start.
You have an unusually propitious opportunity at that time to shape your new goals.
You may have to fight for what you want, but you’ll have a crystal-clear vision of what
it is!
Hair-do: Mop-top. This bowl-cut style features a heavy-weight line around the head
at brow level. The hair below the weight line is sharply tapered and the fringe is
softly layered to feather around the eyes
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Someone may challenge you toward the end of the month. Try to stay above any
squabbling over politics, religion, or your neighbor’s personal business. Emotions will
be running high, and reasoning with people may not work. Be patient this month,
especially in the face of frustrations and delays.
Hair-do: Caesar cut - a moderately short cut worn in the style of Julius Caesar. The
hair is layered to around 1 to 2 in.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Your social life or love life might not get back on track until May. Investments into
new relationships take time to yield results. Travel factors into your horoscope this
March. You’ll get a burst of energy at the end of March - lots of new ideas and
motivation to act.
Hair-do: The versatile pompadour (or pomp) - the style of wearing the hair
brushed back off the forehead. Typically a pompadour is not parted, but just
brushed straight up and back. The term pompadour is also a woman's hairstyle with
the hair brushed back high from the forehead, into a roll (much higher than for a
man's pompadour). The term is named after a woman (Marquise de Pompadour, a
mistress of France's Louis XV). The pompadour is referred to (as a man's hairstyle)
in John Steinbeck's classic 1952 novel "East of Eden": “He was wearing a flat-
topped, narrow-brimmed hat, very stylish, and when he saw them he broke into a run
and yanked off his hat and they could see that this bright hair was clipped to a short
brush of a pompadour that stood straight up.”
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your emotional intuition may be helpful to others who are questioning their life’s
purpose. Mark the Spring Equinox on March 20th by writing your desires on paper
and then burning them, thereby sending your desires out to the Universe. Then you
just need to relax, keep positive and allow the ritual to manifest. Another idea is to
clean the hair out of the family hairbrushes and put it out for the birds to use as
nesting material. When you do, send loving thoughts to the birds, who will use your
hair to make their homes.
If an opportunity presents itself, don’t talk yourself out of it by worrying that
something bad COULD happen. Take a chance that something good WILL happen.
Hair-do: Cornrows (with or w/out beads) For men: grow your beard out as long as
possible. I heard that the record is 17 feet long.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Expect an ego clash this month. Hold your tongue, and you’ll be glad you did later on
down the road. You’ll have some intense interactions with folks, especially around
March 20th when the Sun enters fiery Aries. Approach any potential conflict with that
charm you know you can muster when you need to, and things will be fine.
Hair-do: Teddy boy cut - a style worn by “mods” in England during the late 1950s
and early 1960s. Typically the hair was cut relatively long (for the time), brushed
back, and heavily greased.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Celebrate the first day of Spring on March 20th by cleaning your house and
donating unwanted items to charity. Be cautious with your expenses - even the little
things are adding up. If you have been experiencing difficulties communication, with
lots of misunderstandings, never fear. That will clear up at the end of March.
Hair-do: The seventies hairstyle is back in full force - from long bangs, parts down
the middle to shags, big curls and perms - the seventies are returning to the days of
Charlie's Angels, black and white High School year books, and David Bowie. The
seventies spanned the bridge from the explosive revolution of the sixties to the
increased sophistication of the eighties. We saw a range of hairstyles progress from
the look of the late sixties - straight, clear parts (usually down the middle),
headbands, and bobs, to tighter, shorter and layered shag looks of the Eighties.
For men: sideburns are IN, fellows!
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Enterprising is the word that sums up your mood right now, Libra. With the Spring
Equinox on the 20th, and the New Moon in Aries on March 26th, you’ll be spinning
ideas into action very soon! Impressing decision-makers is key, so dress and groom
well, and think before speaking.
Hair-do: Nothing says “romance” like a chignon. Choose the perfect hair
accessories, and the chignon bun is exquisite. You can find some of the prettiest
items for hair accessorizing in the notions departments of large fabric stores. Look
for rolls of pearls, sequins, and flowers, or choose pretty ribbons or lace that can be
tied or simply pinned into place. For men: A handlebar moustache is the epitome
of elegance. If anyone can bring it back into fashion, you can!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Maintaining balance in your life between being an active part of your loved ones
lives, and taking care of your own needs, will build a solid ground of support. Your
motivation will extend toward both of these areas this month, so you are there for the
others while ensuring your own emotional welfare.
Hair-do: Ringlets or a French Twist satisfy your desire for mystery and sultry
seductiveness. For men: A goatee says, “I’m interesting. Try to figure me out…”
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
The Sun will enter the spontaneous Aries on March 20th for the Spring Equinox.
Impulsive trips, purchases, and displays of emotion are to be expected. If you like
living on the edge, go ahead and give in to every whim. If you ever regret your
impulsive moves, take a beat to think through the ramifications first.
Hair-do: Mullet. This gender-neutral hairstyle is making a comeback!
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
If a deal looks too good to be true, it’s probably a bad deal. You may be feeling
overwhelmed, like there is too much on your plate right now. Don’t get discouraged -
the first day of Spring on March 20th will lighten your mood!
Hair-do: bowl cut - a cut that gets its name from its origins of placing a bowl on the
head and then cutting off everything around the bowl. The bowl cut became popular
during the Great Depression as an easy way of cutting hair. While techniques may
have improved, the cut still has the same basic characteristics of longer hair on top
and short hair below a "bowl line", which is usually just above the ears.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Your unwavering dedication can take its toll on your body if you are not careful to
maintain balance in your life. You may end up feeling run down as a result of your
devotion, or unable to find time in your busy schedule to do what makes you happy.
You should embrace the strength of your motivation as much as you can while
remembering to take care of yourself.
Hair-do: Emo Hairstyles - styled w/gel to stick out in crops and at angles, a la
singer Pink, or Kelly Osbourne…If you possess the courage to get your locks clipped
into a short asymmetrical hairstyle, there are many variations. How about some
shaggy ends with an abundance of texture near your cheekbones?
Or maybe you would rather have one side super short and the other angled down to
show off only one of your eyes?
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces, you are very motivated by the past and the unconscious, rather than by the
here-and-now. This gets you sidetracked. You have a particular love of music and
dance, and you need to have a creative outlet somewhere in order to be happy.
Hair-do: Afro or (since not everyone can manage an Afro), a Psychobilly wedge.
The term “psychobilly wedge” references a hairstyle common among performers who
perform a sub-genre of music called “psychobilly”.
“Psychobilly” is generally described as a mix of late-70s punk and 50s American
rockabilly styles. Many style their hair in a high-piled, wedge-shaped pompadour
style. This type of style is readily identifiable, and can be seen on performers like
Brian Setzer (of Stray Cats and Brian Setzer Orchestra fame), Morissey (of The
Smiths), and Mikey Way (of My Chemical Romance). It is often compared with the
“Rockabilly” hairstyle, since it – in effect – is the same style, with minor modifications
according to personal taste.
March 5 - 19
***What to do with your extra Daylight hour***
The distinguished English outdoorsman William Willett thought up Daylight
Savings Time in 1905 during an early morning ride, when he was dismayed
how many Londoners slept through a large part of a summer day. He also
hated having to go inside at dusk. He proposed advancing the clock during
summer months, and lobbied unsuccessfully for the proposal until his
death in 1915. The first European nations to adopt this invention were
Germany and its allies during WW1, beginning in April 1916. Many other
countries, including Russia, soon began using DST also. The United
States embraced it in 1918. Since then, the world has seen many
legislations, repeals and amendments.
(Daylight Savings Time begins March 8th.)
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Relationship misunderstandings are likely this month with Venus in retrograde. To
avoid any problems, go with the flow, think before you speak, and hold off on any
impulsive weddings or break-ups! The week of March 10th will be all about your
career, so keep your feelers out there for behind-the-scenes information and
opportunities for advancement. The Full Moon in Virgo on March 10th may open the
door to a business venture.
With your hour: make a gift for someone, or start a weekly Poker game (if you do,
please invite me!)
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Your ruling planet, Venus, will retrograde from March 6th until mid-April. This may
cause personal plans to go awry, or kinks in your close relationships. A valuable
business contact could be made during a group activity. Be prepared to be flexible
and re-schedule meetings or appointments. March is the month for "Helping
Someone See" and "Eye Donors". Why not celebrate by donating your eyes to
research after you die?
With your hour: Stay in touch with distant family or friends by picking up the phone,
e-mailing, or sending a postcard. Another option: scrape the scum off of your
bathroom tiles.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
I see travel in your future. Are you relocating, or just taking a trip? Either way, your
social life is not as busy as usual. This could be due, in part, to your conscious
money-saving efforts.
With your hour: Socialize in the daylight hours. Walk the Back Cove with a friend.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
On the March 10th Full Moon in Virgo, be extra cautious while driving. Challenging
relationships may plague you, especially at work. Try to stay out of the way, if
possible. Out of the path of fire.
Celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday on March 9th! Barbies are fun, and they’ve made
many different races of Barbie, which is good, but how about some different body
type Barbies? Where’s "Sophomore 15 Barbie", "Pear-shaped Barbie" and "Baby-
bearing hips Barbie". There should be a flat-chested "Butch Barbie", too!
With your hour: play Frisbee, or start a beer can collection. Here’s a website to get
you started: www.bcca.com
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
March 12th is Canberra Day in Australia! Canberra Day is a public holiday held
annually to celebrate the official naming of Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It’s
kind of like Washington D.C. is to America - Canberra is the site of Parliament
House, the High Court of Australia and numerous government departments and
agencies. It is also the location of many social and cultural institutions of national
significance, such as the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia,
National Museum of Australia and the National Library of Australia.
Delays and miscommunications may disrupt your plans this month, especially the last
two weeks of March. Relationships flourish with honest communication. Watch out for
an egomaniac at work - the less you engage this person, the better.
With your hour: Read The Senator’s Wife by Sue Miller. "Meri is newly married,
pregnant, and standing on the cusp of her life as a wife and mother… Delia
Naughton--wife of the two-term liberal senator Tom Naughton--is Meri's new
neighbor in the adjacent New England town house. Delia's husband's chronic
infidelity has been an open secret in Washington circles, but despite the complexity
of their relationship, the bond between them remains strong. What keeps people
together, even in the midst of profound betrayal? Delia and Meri find themselves
leading strangely parallel lives, both reckoning with the contours and mysteries of
marriage, one refined and abraded by years of complicated intimacy, the other
barely begun." Can’t sit still to read? Learn how to juggle - it comes in handy more
often than you’d think!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Watch out for extra expenses at the end of March. Safeguard your finances as much
as possible. Consider selling some of your possessions at thrift stores or on
Craigslist. There may be some tension at work, especially around the March 10th
Full Moon in Virgo. You may be tempted to quit, but try to hold on at lease until the
summer. Things may improve.
With your hour: Donate blood and help save someone's life in an emergency.
Portland Donor Center
524 Forest Ave. 775-2367 or toll free 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Donor Hours: Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. First
and Third Saturday of the month 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. If you can’t give blood, RELAX!
Chill out. Take a bubble bath; listen to music or spend some time alone.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
An issue that you have previously squelched will come to light soon. Your ruler,
Venus, will be retrograde for a month, which may spell a few bumps in the road to
love. It may also mean the return of a past love. You may have some physical
discomfort in this period, such as being cold, sick, or injured. On a positive note,
your creative side blossoms.
With your hour: Is your hair dry, Scales? Try this remedy from France: put olive oil
on it for 30 minutes before washing. C’est magnifique! Another idea - spend an hour
a day making a quilt out of old clothes and fabrics.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
You may find less support from friends and co-workers than you usually get. This is
a result of Venus in retrograde, and will reverse itself mid-April. Try to enjoy some
comfort on the homefront - it’s a great time to tackle home repairs and fix-er-upper
projects.
With your hour: Work on writing a book. Not creative? Memorize a poem. If you can
recite a poem, your animal magnetism will increase by 30%.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
No talking on the cell phone while driving! Life may be feeling hectic this month,
Archers. You feel stretched thin. Try stopping what you are doing for a minute and
give someone your undivided attention. This could end up (counter intuitively)
adding extra energy to your wellspring.
With your hour: Draw something, make beaded necklaces, or build a fort out of
blankets and pillows.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Home repairs factor in this month. Relatives may take your attention. Planning a trip?
Bring some Pepto-Bismol.
With your hour: Learn a new language. Have you forgotten your Spanish lessons
from high school? With an extra hour a day, it definitely wouldn't take long to learn a
new language. Or take a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad at 58 Fore St. 828-
0814.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
The Full Moon on March 10th buoys your mood. You may interrupt someone’s
dreary day with your imaginative and joyful spirit. Remember to present your ideas
(which may be unusual) in a gentle way that makes others feel comfortable, as
opposed to a jarringly irreverent way.
With your hour: Spin the globe and randomly point to your next vacation
destination. Learn all you can about that place. Xenophobic? Floss your teeth and
impress your dentist at your next check-up!
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Happy 9th Birthday to Tamar McMahon! Two fun facts about Tamar: 1. She donated
her hair to Locks of Love. 2. She loves stickers. Another talented Pisces, Albert
Einstein, would be turning 130 this March 14th! Two fun facts about Albert Einstein:
1. He bought many sets of identical clothes so he wouldn’t have to fuss with what to
wear. 2. Two weeks before he died, he wrote a letter protesting nuclear testing and
bombs. Mars will be taking a trip through your sign mid-March, Pisces, which will fire
up your jets. A new jolt of energy will bring some excitement to your life!
With your hour: Watch an episode of "Celebrity Apprentice" and laugh at Donald
Trump’s hair, or take a Mensa quiz online.
February 18 - March 4
***Get Your Local Paper!***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
A New Moon on the 24th boosts your power of attraction. If there is something you
want, use your sparkling personality to go and get it! Your social life is in high gear.
Read: The Island Times. Do you want to know when the Chowder Contest is? What
about the Annual Spaghetti dinner, and what’s going on at the Peaks Island Health
Center? Of course you do! Find out about the First Tuesday Book Club at the Peaks
Island Library (note: this Mar. 3 is” People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks.) You
are the pioneers of the zodiac, much like the island spirit. You have an old-fashioned
innocence that can be very quaint. You stand for brave new beginnings and are
usually the one to get a project off the ground. You are outspoken, courageous and
will fight passionately for what you want. On the negative side, your eagerness can
seem pushy. Also, don’t be a daredevil. No midnight boat rides under the influence,
please! www.islandtimes.org
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
A close relationship may be under stress this February. If you’re a parent or
caregiver, lavish some extra attention on your “child” this month.
Read: The Press Herald & The Maine Switch. You’re not crazy about change, Bulls.
You like your paper the same way it was 10 years ago. You’ll stick with the PPH,
thank you, and their pet project The Switch appeals to your sense of aesthetic
beauty. You are persistent and determined, placid and love security. Occasionally
you must check yourself from becoming intractable and self-indulgent.
Job-hunting looks promising at the end of February. A lucky love or business
connection will be made then, also.
Read: The USM Free Press is a weekly student–run newspaper serving the
University of Southern Maine. You’re the knowledge-seeker of the zodiac, Twins, and
the most likely to be pursuing higher education. You’re adaptable, witty, and a good
communicator. Beware of appearing superficial and inconsistent.
www.usmfreepress.org
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Stress or frustration may get your goat this month, Crabs. Practice avoiding
annoying people.
Read: The Baysider. The Bayside Neighborhood Association produces the Baysider
newspaper on a bi-monthly basis to keep members and the community informed on
issues and events of interest. You are the homebody of the zodiac, and enjoy
protecting your small corner of the world. Emotional, sympathetic and cautious, you
are not happy if your family and community isn’t happy. You should not only read
The Baysider, you should volunteer on it!
www.baysideneighborhood.org
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Don’t go looking for arguments this month; they’ll be looking for you. If you get drawn
into conflict rather than a healthy competition, chances are you’ll be the one taking a
nosedive. Head it off at the pass by holding your tongue. Getting upset when things
do not go the way you expected them to doesn’t help the matter. Choose your
battles wisely.
Read: The Bollard The Bollard is Portland’s free monthly independent voice for
local news and arts coverage. As the proudest animal in the zodiac, you can relate
to the bombastic style of The Bollard. Extroverted, ambitious, strong willed, and self-
confident, you and The Bollard both need to watch your hastiness of temper and lust
for power. If suspicious of rivals, you won’t hesitate to use scheming and trickery to
discredit them.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You are working hard doing your thing, and this month your effort is having the
effect of galvanizing the community and promoting health, holding groups together.
You have a natural affinity for this important work, and people notice and appreciate
you for it.
Read: The West End News! This publication will suit your need for order and
veracity. The WEN has your hands-on approach to life ability to stick to the task, no
matter what, and to “keep on keeping on” with no end in sight. Fair-minded,
practical, intelligent and analytical, you can count on a Virgo to give you the straight
talk.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
With your ruler Venus going into Aries, the focus is on respect, courtesy and co-
operation. This is your bailiwick, and the present time focuses you on creating a
sturdy relationship. Since your mission is to find internal balance and calm
equilibrium, you may want to learn meditation or some other spiritual practice within
your relationship.
Read: The Observer. You want to be fair and read news from the East End as well
as the West End, right? Look for a new & improved Munjoy Hill Observer coming this
Spring! Urbane, romantic, charming, and sociable, you also have a propensity
toward indecisiveness and gullibility. Surround yourself with positive people and you
will be the toast of the town!
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Letting go of accountability in your relationships will help keep them strong. Abandon
all notions of “keeping score” with people. Your home may be expanding as you get
the urge to build an addition to your house, or adopt a new pet. The bad news is the
emotional toil these experiences may provoke, and you’ll need to dig deep into your
reservoir of patience to keep your cool. The benefit, the stars say, is that the trials
and tribulations you’ll endure this month will help you clarify your goals.
Read: The Phoenix. It’s the closest we have to salacious, saucy or sultry in the way
of local news. They do the most stories on condoms and naked bungee jumping,
and the subversive cartoon Hoopleville appeals to your dark side.
You and The Phoenix are powerful, passionate, and exciting, but can also be jealous
and resentful of other people and publications.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
February is shaping up to be a marvelous month for you, Sagittarius, and it’s just the
tonic you need! You won’t have to travel far to find a myriad of interesting people
and projects in need of your creative touch. If your wanderlust is tickling your
collarbone, you could work on plans for a big trip later. But for now, be a leader in
neighborhood activities where your enthusiasm and good will can make things better
close to home.
Read: The Strange Maine Gazette Independent, adventurous, humorous,
straightforward and generous, Strange Maine Gazette embodies your worldview.
SMG prints four issues a year, and maintains the website: strangemaine.blogspot.
com
“Founded 2005! Freaks. Weirdos. Unmapped roads. Whispering rocks. Deadening
fog. Ghost pirates. Lonely islands. THINGS in the WOODS. A place where the 4
seasons really know how to live. …a nexus for conversation about Maine's unique
strangeness, people who love it, people who have experienced it, & people who are
intrigued by it. History, mysteries, legends, current events, cryptozoology, & more.”
Where you can find copies of the SMG: Arabica Coffee, Portland Public Library, and
the store Strange Maine.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
A Pisces New Moon on February 24th will inspire you to work on your hopes,
dreams, and positive aspirations. Also, look forward to some cozy time at home.
Read: DownEast Dog News: “Downeast Dog News is a monthly paper for people
who love dogs and want to read about what's happening in Maine's dog community.”
For Goats, nothing’s more fun than reading about the adventures of canines. You
are practical, prudent, disciplined, and patient - the perfect pet owner!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Share your enthusiasm with others. You’ll be getting a chance to communicate
something important soon, and people will be listening. Look out for those who need
your help but may not be asking for it.
Read: The Portland Daily Sun. This is our new (free) daily paper. Some consider it
a risky venture, and possibly rebellious toward our status quo here in Portland, but
that’s right up your alley, Aquarius! Your friendly, humanitarian, intellectual
personality is also unpredictable and can often be contrary. Keep the rest of us
abreast on what The Daily Sun is up to…
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The New Moon on February 24th is in your sign, Fish. Time for first steps and for
positively meditating on what you want to happen. You may be feeling impervious to
danger or problems that could arise from your actions .If you can’t resist acting like a
teenager, at least make sure your energy is directed at a good cause. Happy
Birthday 78th birthday to Senator Ted Kennedy on February 22nd.
Read: The Spiritual Renaissance. With 4 issues per year, the SR “provides
information and understanding to spiritual seekers and others interested in
transforming their consciousness and life styles to be aligned with the New Aquarian
Age we are moving into. Our intention is to inspire others in the growing human
revolution and spiritual renaissance here on planet earth. Within this Publication are
articles on: astrology, transpersonal and Jungian psychology, myth, the
transformation of Human Consciousness, mental health, poetry, holistic and
alternative health, human and animal rights issues, earth healing and ecology,
shamanism, meditation, yoga, breath-work, UFOs and extraterrestrial contact,
goddess spirituality, sacred passages and ceremonies, metaphysics, Eastern and
Western spiritual traditions…” Pisces, your imaginative and compassionate nature
make this publication a must read. However, beware of your tendency toward
escapism. You find it irresistible to lose yourself in a dreamy netherworld, and you
can also be easily led down a strange path. Don’t go joining any cults, man!
February 5 - 19
*** What’re You Doing on Valentine’s Day? ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Spring is still a ways off, and patience is required. The name of this month derives
from Februa, the Roman Festival of Purification. Feb. is a month filled with feasts
honoring feminine figures like St. Brigit, St. Agatha, and the Virgin Goddess Artemis.
Practice not complaining, and this will grow your inner strength. Aries friends, this
month (and, in fact, all year), you will appreciate the value of belonging to a group. It
may be a neighborhood organization, a political group, or a pub where everyone
shouts your name when you walk in, but you’ll suddenly realize how feeling
connected to others is as important as your own independence.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Make some cinnamon ice cream, learn a magic trick, and
wrap stuff up in big red bows.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The coldest temperature on record for North America was in 1947, it was -81 in the
Yukon, Canada. Crikes! Do you have a long held dream that you fear may never
come true? Gather information on this dream and look at the facts realistically. Do
you want to play it safe, or do you want to push the limit of your potential and go for
it? One last note: don’t underestimate the persuasive power your charm has over
others!
To do on Valentine’s Day: Go to a concert or a play. Buy a piece of artwork that is
made with stones, metal, vines, knots or glass. Install a bird feeder (February is
“Wild Bird Feeding Month”)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
The lunar eclipse on the 9th may stir up emotions in response to your family or
community. Annoyances may loom large, but trust that they are mood-related and
will pass.
On Feb. 15th, the Japanese celebrate Kamakura, a Snow Cave Festival.
Interestingly, three days later people celebrate Kuomboka, a River Festival, in
Zambia.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Read a book on a scandal from American history, or
splurge and buy a glossy, hip magazine. Put up wind chimes. Play a trivia game with
friends.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
This month has a mysterious quest in store for you, Cancers. All I can tell you is that
it has to do with overseas travel, spiritual matters, or an obscure point of interest.
The Full Moon (and lunar eclipse) on the 9th will trigger issues relating to money and
your morals or belief system. If there is contention, remember that there is no right or
wrong way to do things, only a difference of opinion. If you are unemployed, put
aside any concern over what others think of you, and blaze a new trail. This is a
great time to start your own business!
To do on Valentine’s Day: Rescue a piece of antique furniture and refurbish it.
Make a family tree. Develop you psychic ability by practicing reading your friends
minds.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
A dramatic Full Moon Eclipse on Feb. 9th will be in your sign. Strange, unexpected
experiences related to otherworldly phenomenon may occur, such as deja-vu, past-
life memories, or ghostly apparitions.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Buy a button-maker, and make buttons to sell at a craft
fair. Throw a party in a public place and invite strangers. Go Winter camping!
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo, the full Moon on the 9th occurs in your sector of what’s hidden. You may find
yourself thinking of buried issues from childhood (or even a past life!) Expect an
increase in income and business opportunities. There may be a connection with an
institution like a hospital or court.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Organize your clothes by color instead of by item. Make
your own soap. Stay overnight in a cozy B&B.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
This is your year for romance, Libra! If you aren’t involved with someone now, you
will be soon. Jump into it now, before your ruler, Venus, turns retrograde in March.
This may mean bumps on the road of love, or it may bring past loves back into your
life. Either way, solidify your situation now.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Make a diorama with some of the fascinating, gratuitous
miniature stuff that you collect, and display it on your kitchen table. Go indoor rock
climbing. Respond to someone on Match.com and make their Valentine’s Day.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Those of you Scorps still smarting from your ruling planet Pluto’s demotion, take
note that it still plays a role in Astrology. "Whether he's a planet, an asteroid, or a
radioactive matzo ball, Pluto has proven himself worthy of a permanent place in all
horoscopes," says Shelley Ackerman on the web site Beliefnet.com. Pluto can
arouse transformation in our lives. Pluto rules intense energy, especially in the areas
we want to have control of.
Do you remember the February 1978 blizzard? Your humble astrologer was in
elementary school, and my father came to pick us kids up with his skis on. He had a
sled with him, too, and skied home, pulling us in the sled behind him. On an
optimistic note, here is a quote from Washington Irving: “Love is never lost. If not
reciprocated, it will flow back and soften the heart.”
To do on Valentine’s Day: Rent a Twilight Zone DVD. Make a doll out of old clothes
and stuff you have around the house. Practice each position in the Kama Sutra.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Celebrated on February 7th, The Gasparilla Festival is a big event in Tampa,
Florida. The first Gasparilla Festival in Tampa Bay was held in 1904. The tradition
includes a Pirate Invasion on Tampa as the pirate ship enters the channel and
docks. The Mayor surrenders the Key to the City of Tampa over to Captain of Ye
Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, which then sparks the Parade of the Pirates and the
Pirate Festival. In other news, Mars and Jupiter hook up in Aquarius on February
16th.This will be a week of expanding your world view. Friends and groups play a
large role. You may find romance with someone you meet through friends.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Buy a mini trampoline. Carve a horse out of soap.
Create a circus theme in your environment (clowns, leather-clad motorcycle riders,
water balloons, a tight wire act…) and then invite friends over to play Twister.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
This is Black History month! Here are 3 dates to celebrate: Student-organized sit-ins
like the February 1960 protest at Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North
Carolina, offered people an opportunity to display their opinion on segregation.
Protestors were encouraged to dress up, sit quietly, and occupy every other stool so
potential white sympathizers could join in. The success of the Greensboro sit-in led
to a rash of student campaigns all across the South. By the end of 1960 the sit-ins
had spread across America. February 9, 1971, pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige
became the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of
Fame. February 11, 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years.
Life may feel unsettled for you right now, Capricorns, and your confidence could be
shaken. Make sure you have forgiven those who have hurt your feelings in the past.
Acceptance of the inherent flaws in every person is one way to move forward in a
positive direction.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Go ice-skating. Start a snow globe collection and ask all
of your friends to give you snow globes to start it out. Fix something that is broken in
another’s person’s life.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
February is “Wild Bird Feeding Month”, Water Bearers. Aquarian aviator Charles
Lindbergh had this to say on the subject “…if I had to choose, I would rather have
birds than airplanes”. Happy 40th birthday to Jennifer Aniston on Feb. 11th! Happy
Birthday to my Aquarian friend Deirdre Nice on the 14th!
To do on Valentine’s Day: Go see “Einstein’s Universe” at the Southworth
Planetarium. Buy a friend something at Strange Maine. Bake a batch of muffins and
add an unusual ingredient - then have friends try to identify it.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You may need to manage your stress level this month, Pisces friends. Your dreams
are fired up, but limitations cause you frustration. Try adopting a mature approach to
the roadblock instead of going with your instinct (to smash it down in a fit of fury).
You don’t need to learn this lesson the hard way - go easy.
To do on Valentine’s Day: Participate enthusiastically in a friend’s hobby. Be extra
careful to stop at crosswalks. Melt your old crayons down and make a new candle.
January 22 - February 5
***Your curative colors ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries, you may be tempted to take on new challenges, but make sure to avoid any
haste this month. This is a good time for mergers and acquisitions. You can achieve
advancements in business matters like getting clearance for pending projects, or
investing in real estate (if you are interested in those opportunities). Don’t cut
corners on the research, though - i.e., check references. This is also a favorable
time to wrestle with outstanding issues (including legal matters) by adjudication and
conciliation. You may find love in the most unlikely situation this month. Be careful
with your friends and driving your car by the end of January.
Your color is: Red. Aries are drawn to warm colors like red and yellow. Like the
colors, you are affectionate, energetic, and extroverted. The color red is imbued with
strength, and yellow with logic and clear communication. If you’d like to add some
balance and gentleness to your life, try bringing lavender in. Wear lavender shirts
and buy some lavender colored sheets and towels.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Your involvement with the community and special interests will grow this month. You'll
be drawn back to career matters and issues of authority with Mercury in retrograde.
There'll be a sudden shift in relationships or someone you know will behave out of
character as Venus joins with Uranus the next day. The mood is light as the Sun and
Jupiter meet. January 26th brings a new moon and solar eclipse in the sign of
Aquarius. Watch your temper, and safety matters on January 27th as Mercury
retrograde joins with Mars. Impatience or confusion could get the better of you.
Taurus should avoid breaking the law right now. Be careful taking any offers coming
from unknown informants.
Your color is: Pink. Pink is the color of compassion, sensitivity, and inner peace.
Taureans also go for neutral colors like tans, grays and beiges. These are refined
and suit your need for elegance. You rarely go to any extreme with colors, but if you’
d like to stimulate your mental energy and sexual potency, choose orange. An
orange hat would enrich you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Expect intrigue in January. Provocative new ideas, offers, or unexpected trips may
raise your spirits during the last days of the month. Consider planning long-term
financial strategies during this period. Your intuition on business matters may prove
eerily spot-on. However, avoid crossing swords with superiors– even if you perceive
that you have been unjustly maligned- voice your grievance diplomatically.
Your color is: Silver. Silver embodies your quest for intellect and success. It is
symbolic of protective energy and justice. Surrounding yourself with silver may heal
digestive problems. If you’d like to achieve a higher state of mental clarity and focus,
try using blue.Blue curtains, pillowcases, or drinking glasses. How about blue elastics
on your braces?
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer should work on strengthening your relationships both at home and at work. If
possible, don't sign any serious settlements or business deals this month. Major
changes in your life may be on the horizon as early as January 30th. Take extra care
with safety in word and action. Don't get too stressed out and try not to interrupt
people. Extra cash may come in the form of bonuses, odd jobs, or an unexpected gift
from an elder. Be careful in dicey dealings; impulsive moves may prove imprudent.
Generally, financial matters don’t look great for Cancers this year, so avoid taking
unnecessary risks, and save money where you can.
Your colors are: Seagreen and blue-gray. Silvery colors appeal to you, as the
watery moon is your ruler. The moon correlates to the mind, and affects us during
each lunar phase. People who are unstable may experience the pull of the moon in
their brain fluids, pronouncing the symptoms of mental illness. This is how asylums
came to coin the term ‘lunatic’, seeing their inmates freak out during a full moon.
(Don’t wear too much blue or silver near a full moon, Cancers.) You also tend to like
dark colors, but if you need to toughen up your shell, try surrounding yourself with
red for a short time. Using pale yellows will help your finances (pale yellow signifies
mental alertness), and if you have a job interview, wearing beige or light blue will
impress.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Don't get upset over sudden events on Jan 22, for something that pops up
unexpectedly will depart the same way. Watch out for an unusual impulse or a burst
of temper. Either may confound everyone around you! Read this book: Dewey: The
Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. This true story is about a kitten
who was abandoned in a library book-return on a winter day in Iowa. “…no one could
imagine what changes this very extraordinary cat would bring to a town and a library
director -- both in need of some good news…this book is a lesson in love, devotion,
and a sense of community spirit.”
Your color is: Gold (surprise, surprise!) You like hot colors - reds, oranges and
yellows, too, but gold equals wealth and pride, and that’s you, Leo. Gold also reflects
your spiritual richness and refinement of your surroundings. If you’d like to attract
some calm and empathy into your life, use green to do that. Paint your walls green
or buy some green dishes. Dye your hair green if you are under 30.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
On January 26, 2009 the New Moon in Aquarius marks the beginning of New Year in
Chinese astrology. It’s the Year of the Brown Cow (or Ox). According to the Chinese
Fortune Calendar, brown is equivalent to Earth in Chinese Astrology Five Element
theory. The major element in Cow is Earth; the ground we walk on. They offer: “The
ground is very steady. It's required lots of energy to make it move. This implies the
difficulty to make a change in 2009. Earth is the land. Land is related to Real Estate
property. The major focus in 2009 will be the land-related issues. Hopefully, the Real
Estate market will be gradually stable. Certainly, it's necessary that people put extra
efforts and time to work on the problems.”
Virgos, you may be tempted to start lots of new activities in January, however, it
would be wise to avoid any unnecessary haste. The last week of January will reveal
your true goals.
Your color is: White. Earthy colors that are found in nature like browns, greens,
pinks and purples are also up your alley. White is the color of purity and of ridding
your mind of negative thoughts. If you’d like to form a deeper connection with your
loved ones, go for orange. Orange says that you are sensual and open to
closeness. Try orange underwear and scarves.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Late January has Mercury back in Capricorn, spreading confusion in matters
concerned with travel, communications, siblings or neighbors. If an old problem
reoccurs, talk through its origins and fix it. Stay alert in traffic. Don't take any new
important projects. Pay more attention to your home and family, respect your loved
ones. New ideas and possibilities will make you happy by the end of January. Peace
is on the way.
Your color is: Pale blue. Soft and feminine, you gravitate toward pastel colors.
Shades of blue are aligned with your ruling planet, Venus, since they represent
harmony and integrity. It’s possible to overuse blue, though, and enter the territory
of depressed or dispassionate. Try using peach or reds to show more affection and
joy. Interestingly, peach is the color of innocent love mixed with wisdom, and red is
the color of passion and attracts the most attention.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Though vicissitudes in career matters may plague you this month, you’ll handle them
in your typical Scorpionic fashion - by asserting your dominance over others. Avoid
unnecessary verbal duels, no matter how much you feel provoked. Talk softly, and
let your actions speak for you. Use caution considering new business ideas. Pay
more attention to domestic issues during the last ten-day period of the month.
Your color is: Black. Black is the mystery that you love being shrouded in, but
reflects the maturity, stability, and the inner peace that you seek. Maroon is a
secondary color that Scorpios crave. Maroon is symbolic of courage, bravery,
heroism, and strength. You should add some blue to your life to bring honesty and
mental clarity. If you are having any problems with your lungs or with fatigue, use
orange to help breathing and increase your energy level.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Clear communication and safety with machines will be necessary right now.
Someone may be hard to get through to. Don't let it be you. Sagittarius should be
careful making any financial maneuvers in January. The last week is great for
activities related to media and information.
Your color is: Purple. Noble and high-minded, purple represents your dignity,
superior intellect and strong values. Purple is indicative of devotion, kindness, and
compassion. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is associated with purple, also. Wearing
purple attracts like-minded people to you. If you want to bring monetary success into
your life, surround yourself with yellow for a while. Green is another color to try,
especially if you need any healing in your bones or joints.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The Solar Eclipse on January 26, 2009 is in the 13th degree Capricorn. This degree
is symbolized as “A tripod with flames of fire blazing froth from a brassiere.” This is a
degree of Aspiration and Higher goals. This eclipse is visible in the region covering
Southern Africa, India, Antarctica, South-East Asia, and Australia. Here’s some
unsolicited advice, Goats - focus on your hopes. The more you dwell on your
problems or worries, the more power you give them. And if you aren’t feeling
confidant, pretend that you are. Convincing others of your self-confidence could be
a first step.
Your color is: Dark green. Cool colors like blues, greens, and violets attract you
because they represent laid-back, self-sufficient, and emotionally controlled
personality traits. Earthy Browns are another Capricorn fallback. Brown denotes
worldliness, practicality, conservatism, and physical comfort. If you are suffering a
broken heart, surrounding yourself in olive green can heal it quickly. Olive green
symbolizes natural wisdom and Zen. Wearing white or orange can signal others to
treat you with kindness and compassion.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945), the thirty-second
President of the United States, was a central figure of the 20th century during a time
of world war and economic crisis. Roosevelt's presidency, according to biographer
Jean Edward Smith, "brought the United States through the Great Depression and
World War II to a prosperous future. He lifted himself from a wheelchair to lift the
nation from its knees." Let’s hope Obama leaves as powerful a legacy as FDR did.
The energy of the New Moon in Aquarius on January 26th will help you explore your
most bizarre dreams. It may also help you shape your plans for 2009. This New
Moon is special because at the same time the solar eclipse will take place. Be sure
to think positively and plan your future as soon as the New Moon starts in order to
attract success to your life.
Your color is: Turquoise, which signifies the universal friendship of human beings.
Turquoise is also symbolic of healing power and natural energy. You are someone
who wants to attract all different types of people and experiences into your life, so for
you, wearing multicolors and decorating your life with plentiful color is important.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
January 26th, Australia Day, is a national holiday begun in 1935. On Australia Day,
the status of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is recognized, as well
as the reconciliation of all Australians, understanding the past and how it affects the
lives of Indigenous people today.
In the week before Australia Day, at dawn, a group of Australians gather together to
express their vision for Australia. They tout the Australian values of “a fair go for all,
mateship, fair play, and a great sense of humour.” (www.australiaday.org) Australia
Day begins with the “Woggan ma gule - Morning Ceremony. Taking place in Sydney’
s Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking Farm Cove, this area is considered an
important meeting site to the Gadigal people who once lived around the harbour…
(and is) a site where male initiation ceremonies were once conducted.”
Throughout the day there are various activities and events in every territory,
including a “Rural Fun Run” in Litchfield Shire, a “Comedy Debate”, flag raisings,
bbqs and games. The “Great Australia Day Duck Race” is popular, where people
pay to adopt a certain duck, and if the winning duck has your number, you win a
bicycle. There are Australia Day lunches in all states and a Gala Ball in the Northern
Territory, which are sponsored by Australia
Post. (Can you imagine the U.S. Postal Service Since it is also Chinese New Year,
and 2009 is the year of the niu, (the Chinese word for cow and ox). To celebrate,
Luna Niu (moon cow) there will be performances with this theme.
There is also a contest to sing the Aussie anthem. “Favourite entries will be played
live on Australia Day and will go down in the annals of history.” There will be awards
given, such as Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and
Australia’s Local Hero. Parties and concerts will go on all night.
For you, Pisces, travel or business matters take shape beginning January 21st.
January 26th brings a new moon and solar eclipse in Aquarius, marking the end of a
domestic situation, or bringing change to your household. Avoid arguments and
accidents on Jan 27. Family or neighbors may be testy, but stay calm. Luck or
opportunity is on its way to you, Pisces!
Your color is: Sea green. Green reflects your cheerful, friendly demeanor. Try
wearing light blue if you have to be around someone who is angry - it may calm them
down. If your feet are cold, wear red socks. To relieve stress, soak in a bath with
green, blue, or violet bath crystals.
January 8 - 21
***Getta Goal ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
On January 11th, 1964, cigarettes were first declared hazardous. This January, take
an inventory of any hazardous behavior you engage in. Do the benefits to you
outweigh the risks involved? Mercury is going retrograde in Aquarius from January
11th until February 14th, which may cause misunderstandings, flawed or delayed
communications, snafus, and malfunctions with electronics and technology. In
general, Mercury rules processing and disseminating information, and all means of
communication and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in
these areas, so if you are a writer, a computer hacker or a bus driver, expect some
glitches in the next few weeks!
Goals for 2009: Cloud Morris says “My 2009 goal is to do more stand-up-comedy in
front of bigger crowds for bigger laughs.” Shel Doyle wants to cook more and better.
Myra Robinson’s goal is “to spread the word about my band, Bluezberry Jam and do
more meditation to balance out all that excitement.” April Spring Evans says, “My
goal for 2009 is to let my hair down! Last year’s goal was to quit drinking coffee, and
since I actually reached that goal maybe I'll succeed with this year’s.” Justine Lynn
writes, “One of my goals is to help more people become successful in their own
home businesses while working together in harmony for the good of all.”
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
On January 12, 1915, a bill spearheaded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton to obtain a
women’s suffrage amendment to the Constitution was brought before the House of
Representatives, but was lost by a vote of 174 against 204. In 1919 both houses of
Congress finally passed the Nineteenth Amendment, after years of petitioning,
picketing, and protest marches. In 1920, Woodrow Wilson ratified it: “The right of
citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States or by any state on account of sex.”
Taurus - you can get ahead this month, especially if you are willing to take a partner
- just don’t let that person rush you into anything. You can make extra money if you
put your mind to it.
Goals for 2009: Alice Persons wrote, “Goals: 1) have more FUN and less worry. 2)
Support local artists, writers, and musicians.” Bob Lipps’ goal for 2009 is to stock up
on groceries, water, Pepsi, beer and wine. Michelle Neufeld’s goal is to start every
day with a smile and see more of her favorite local bands live! William Higgins says,
“My goal is to employ over 500 people.”
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Resist the temptation to gamble, as risks may not be profitable this month. Catch up
on overdue correspondence and help friends and loved ones find solutions to their
problems. This Full Moon on January 10th, your ruler Mercury is in Aquarius, so
expect some innovative thinking. People appreciate your questions. You may make
the acquaintance of folks who are somewhat eccentric.
Goals for 2009: Bonnie Blythe says, “ In 2009 I'd like to finish the Portland
Encyclopedia of the 1960's, 70's & 80's.” Rebecca Minnick wants to learn to make
really good bread. Amy Landry’s goal is to run a marathon and complete at least one
Olympic distance triathlon.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your quest for intellectual stimulation will propel you toward new horizons this
January, and you’ll discover things no one has ever imagined. Whether you're a
scientist, a poet, or a parent, this could be a breakthrough. Also, when Mercury is
retrograde, everyone thinks more introspectively. Deep into the ozone you go,
Crabs!
Goals for 2009: Robbie Kanner wants to learn how to knit. Jonathan Carr wants to
climb Mount Katahdin.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
This month Jupiter moves into Aquarius. According to Leigh Oswald of Artnet, Leo
Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th “corresponds with the Sun
conjuncting (reaching the same degree), his natal Jupiter (one day in a year) with
transiting Jupiter falling exactly opposite his natal Mercury in Leo, in the house of
work and service (once every 12 years) and simultaneously transiting Mercury
conjuncts his Jupiter, (one day in a year), in effectively what is a mutually receptive
line-up. This combination is likely to happen only once in a lifetime.”
In your own life, the desire to provide for others is very strong this month. You’ll have
some pleasant surprises regarding your work and finances.
Goals for 2009: Cara Hancock Slifka wants to remember people's names when she
is introduced to them. Jen Adams wants to commit to being vegetarian. Karl
Rawstron’s goal is to do more performance art in the Gorham Savings ATM in
Congress Square. Ben Chipman’s goals are to remember people’s birthdays and to
be more involved in music this year - more than just karaoke - maybe getting a band
together.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Celebrate Tyvendedagen on January 13th! Occurring twenty days after Christmas,
this holiday officially ends the Yuletide in the Kingdom of Norway (on the north coast
of Scandinavia reaching into the Arctic Circle). A similar custom exists in Sweden,
called Tjugondag Knut (the 20th day of Knut), when the tree is dismantled at a final
holiday party. The Full Moon in Cancer on January 10th will deepen your creativity
and compassion, and take a relationship to the next level. This will be the biggest
and brightest full moon of 2009; occurring at 10:27 pm EST. Stargazer experts say
that this close full moon is the third brightest of the 25-year period from 1993 to
2017.
Goals for 2009: Patrick Banks hopes to convince someone with the business know-
how and the work ethic to open up a 24-hour coffee shop. Olivia Sanders writes:
“My biggest goal to get the hell out of Maine. Ha! Maybe that's not the kind of thing
you'd print in a local Maine newspaper. That, and I'd like to learn a few new knitting
techniques.”
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Consider making residential changes; either moves or renovations could pay off.
The Full Moon in Cancer on January 10th indicates that flexibility regarding plans will
prove fruitful. Try to be spontaneous and live in the moment. One note of caution -
watch your step on the ice or in your bathtub. Keep your balance!
Goals for 2009: Kait Roe wants to exercise more. Jodi Leeman wants to take a trip
down south, learn another language and drink good wine. Tina Smith’s goals are
quitting drinking and smoking, doing yoga, and getting back into doing media arts.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The Full Moon falls on the 10th, and marks the closing of a chapter. Pluto becomes
a positive energy for Scorpios, enhancing your social skills. Be careful with what you
say or write - the ramifications may be far-reaching.
Travel may arise at the full moon, and you'll be heading to a new vista. Something
stellar is about to happen to you, Scorps. The monumental meeting of the Sun and
Jupiter in your home sector over January 23-24 is an annual occurrence that is your
luckiest time of the year!
Goals for 2009: Harlan Baker wants to hold onto his teaching gig at USM.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
On January 14th the Japanese celebrate Seijin-no-Hi, which honors the coming of
age of people who have turned 20 in the preceding year. A ceremony is held at city
offices where government officials give speeches, and small presents are handed
out to the new adults. After the ceremony, the new adults often go to parties or go
out drinking.
Jupiter will be visiting your home sector, Sagittarians. If you are thinking about
moving, this is a fantastic time, as Jupiter is the planet of good fortune and miracles.
Jupiter hasn’t been in your home and family sector since1997, so this domesticity will
feel new.
Goals for 2009: Marcus Thorne Bagala wants to record a CD in his living room,
release it and play some rocking gigs in Portland, and finish the song cycle he’s
composing! Nicholas Lamberto says “My goal is to eat fewer than 100 Twinkies this
year.”
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn Martin Luther King, Kr was only 39 when he was assassinated, but he left
us a wealth of inspiration. “Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical
violence, but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but
you refuse to hate him.” January 15th will be MLK’s 80th birthday. Mercury will begin
to
retrograde from January 11 and remain so until February 14, during which time you
will sense a slowdown in the world’s pace. You'll have time to reorient yourself and
gain insight into your own ego. The January 10th Full Moon in Cancer will have
people's emotions on high alert!
Goals for 2009: Alan McLucas wants to learn Italian.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
An uplifting astrological event is occurring now. Jupiter, after a year in Capricorn,
leaves that sign on January 5th and enters Aquarius, the sign of the future! It will
travel through Aquarius for one year, as it does every 12-years. Aquarians benefit
the most from this because Jupiter is the planet of expansion and confidence and,
whatever sign it’s in will underline the qualities of that sign for good. In Aquarius,
Jupiter will heighten the desire for freedom, tolerance, innovation, technological
advances, social responsibility, idealism, reform, and even radical revolution. It will
also intensify the pressing need to work for a sustainable global future. If pushed to
excess, Jupiter in Aquarius will encourage rebellion against any authority and will
stoke the flame of extremists (watch out for anarchy)!
On a lighter note, if you are looking to move, or want to renovate your home, this is
your year to do it. You may also find a beautiful piece of furniture or other home
goods. Jupiter brings luck, so expect to find incredible bargains.
Goals for 2009: Monique Bidwell - Make music my job (and still love it!).
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
January 14th is Makar Sankranti, a Hindu and South Indian winter solstice festival
celebrating Pongal. Pongal marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan - sun's
journey northwards. Pongal festival lasts for four days, and includes swinging &
cooking delicious Pongal, which is sweet rice cooked in a new earthenware pot.
According to the ritual, this Pongal rice is allowed to boil and spill over. Once the rice
is cooked, cashew nuts and raisins are added and fried in ghee. Then it is offered to
the Sun God on a new banana leaf along with other traditional delicacies, like vadas
or payasam. Some people go to their plots of land to spray some of the Pongal water
on their fields for good luck. In 2009, Pisces will explore new dimensions as the
intensely charged Aquarius energy offers you expansive dreams.
You can also expect to see an upturn in your career when the Sun and Jupiter meet
on January 23-24. The Sun rules your house of career status and promotion, so you
may receive praise and respect at work!
Goals for 2009: Alicia Hottinger Fisher says
"My goal is to push myself over the edge of consciousness and into the world of
words that write themselves. I want to machete my way through the alphabet!
December 23 - January 7
***Advice by the Stars ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Aries Chris from Washington D.C. writes: “I have grown out a beard and mustache
for the first time, and I am on the fence as to whether I like it. Hardly anyone else
has said they like it; in fact I get the sense that most people do NOT like it. However
this just makes me want to keep the beard more. Am I being petulant?”
-Yes, and that is your nature. I suspect that people are resistant to change. They will
get used to it, and then if you shave, they will be equally as tight-lipped with the
compliments because they need an adjustment period. If there comes a time when
you decide you want to shave, you will know it, and it will be an obvious decision.
Until then, make sure you wipe your face copiously during and after meals!
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus Michael from Munjoy Hill asks: “I've been trying to complete an arts-
related video project, but can no longer put my own money into it. Is this a good time
to seek grants funding?”
-Yes, this is an excellent time, Michael. Don’t wait long, either! A conjunction between
assertive Mars and powerful Pluto on December 28th will stoke your tenacious
streak. You will take some dramatic steps toward setting a new course for the year.
Taurus Daniel from Portland Stage asks: “My apartment needs some desperate
cleaning and tho I am well-meaning, I procrastinate and it's becoming installation art.
Any inspirational ides on how to start?”
-Daniel, when I am having a tough time with something, I ask my friends to help me
out. My suggestion is to have a “cleaning party” and make it a fun time. Offer food &
drinks and play music, but have a big piece of paper on the wall with chores that
need to be done on it. Then have your friends pick one dirty job to accomplish
before they leave. Make sure you have on hand: glass cleaner, Lysol, dish soap,
garbage bags, paper towels, rags, or sponges.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Gemini Johanna from Portland asks: “What is the meaning of life in the universe?”
-What do you think this is, Johanna, The New York Times? The question itself, as
well as any answer, is shaped by your culture. People, events, and beliefs in the life
of a person can have meaning as parts of a whole, but a complete meaning of life
itself can’t be empirically stated. Chekhov professed, "All of life and human relations
have become so incomprehensibly complex that, when you think about it, it becomes
terrifying and your heart stands still." Ask people what they think the meaning of life
is, and you’ll get a variety of answers: to do good; to attain spiritual enlightenment; to
love, to feel, to enjoy the act of living; one should not seek to know the meaning of
life; life has no meaning…As a Gemini, you enjoy exploration and are inquisitive and
open-minded to many belief systems. You are the most likely sign to seek out the
meaning of life. Bon chance, mes amis!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Missy, a Cancer from North Carolina would like to know: “How in the world will I
ever keep up with my email and stay sane? Also, if I don't forward the emails that say
‘Forward this to ten friends in the next ten minutes’ -- will I really have bad luck?”
-Missy, I’d suggest answering e-mails immediately after you read them, and as briefly
as possible. Delete any e-mails that request you to forward them to friends. Don’t
even spend a second thinking about it - for some people, those chain letters may be
a source of entertainment (or superstition), but for you they are a time-suck you don’
t need to engage.
Aimsel, a Cancer, asks: "Any suggestions on how I can decrease my level of
procrastination?"
-You should make a to-do list every morning and put it where you can see it. Then,
pretend that someone you respect and admire is watching your every move. Or
pretend that you are being filmed for a reality show and you want to look like a hard
worker.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Susan from Portland writes: “I have a roommate crush. (Gasp!) I'm a Cancer &
he's a Leo. We're both single but I'm worried about boundaries. He's pretty shy but
seems pretty receptive to the hints I've been dropping. We've been spending a lot
of time together when I'm there-- I'm gone a lot but when I pop in he comes
downstairs to see me. We go out together fairly often too. Is acting on this totally
wrong?”
-Your feelings and your pride are easily wounded by criticism or lack of appreciation
from the people you care about. There can be an extremely loving bond between
Cancer and Leo, though your temperaments are quite different. Leo is very proud
and wants appreciation and respect from a partner. Cancer wants to be needed and
desires sympathy, tenderness, and emotional support from a partner. Leo has
difficulty accepting and expressing needs, sadness, or weakness, and is
uncomfortable when Cancer has insecurities, weaknesses, or is moody. Leo is the
more dominant of the two of you and is likely to take the lead in your relationship.
Owing to this fact, I would advise you to wait him out. Let him make the first move - if
he doesn’t, leave it in the roommate realm.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo Ed from The West End asks: "I'm going to be moving soon - what should I
throw away out of the stuff I've been accumulating over the last 20 years?"
-Okay, Ed, here’s the poop: Keep anything that could be worth money down the line,
including collectors items, political memorabilia, or keepsakes from your childhood.
You can chuck out any old paperwork from college, and financial papers from before
2001, and any old ATM slips. What about personal correspondence like old birthday
cards from your nephews? My advice is to toss the envelopes and consolidate the
cards into as tight a bundle as possible. If they take up more room than one
shoebox, save only one or two from each person and recycle the rest.
Virgo Rachel from Portland’s question is: “My boyfriend and I have been together
for 2 years. He lives 45 minutes away and hates Portland. I own my home and in
these economic times couldn't sell it. Are we doomed?”
-Well first of all, I’m suspicious of anyone who hates Portland. That’s a red flag right
there, but let’s assume he has a legitimate reason not to want to live here. Have you
tried a 2-2-3 arrangement? That’s where you spend two nights at his place, two
nights at your place, and three nights apart. Finally, ask yourself how happy you are
when you are at his place versus how happy you are in your own home (in a rockin’
city, I might add), and you may have your answer.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Jean, a Libra from Watertown’s question is: “In my retirement, should I put more
emphasis on doing good deeds or just having fun?”
-Jean, I suspect, as a Libra, you already know the answer to your question. Perhaps
you are testing your astrologer’s skills, or maybe you need a second opinion. Either
way, the clear truth is that there must be a balance between the two pursuits. Libras
strive for balance, equity and equilibrium. Ideally, the good deeds would
simultaneously be fun for you, but if they are not, do them anyway. Plan one
frivolous activity to counter one good deed.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio Matt from Portland wants to know why he can’t seem to leave Portland
even though he keeps trying, and why he’s still single.
-Matt, unfortunately, Scorpios are often too myopic and pessimistic to manifest a
better destiny. My guess is that you are perpetuating a self-fulfilling prophecy of
misery. You also may be ensnared in the duality of moving away versus staying
here, and no potential partner wants to meet someone who has one foot out the
door! My advice is to reach out to everyone in your life, from neighbors, to family
and friends, close and faraway. Among one of them, you may find a kindred soul
who helps you get where you want to be.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Natalie from Munjoy Hill asks: “Sometimes I get totally bored and wonder if this is
all there is. Can you tell me if there are any exciting adventures left for me in the
world?”
-It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder, Natalie. Scorpios are notoriously moody,
but if you continue this way you should consider anti-depressant medication. In
answer to your question, yes, there many more adventures in store for you,
especially once the weather gets warm and you can play outside again!
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn Tami from the public relations trenches asks: "I have been burning
the candle at both ends at work and there is no end in sight. How can I get the work
I need to get done and find a better balance in 2009?"
-Wow, I’m exhausted just reading your question, Tami! Capricorns are concerned
with things that are practical and worthwhile, and they need to feel useful and
effective in the real world in order to be satisfied with their lives. They have a strong
sense of society, and they feel most secure when they feel they are doing their part
within that framework. Turn to your Capricorn friends for help when you need to
really get things done. They'll have practical advice, and they'll help you organize
and manage your life a little better. Capricorns are generally good with their "word",
and are dependable, loyal people. What I’d suggest is making a master list of
everything you committed to in 2008. Then rank each thing in order of how much fun
it was. Take the last thing on the list and pledge to yourself that you won’t take that
on in 2009. If you need to delegate it, pawn it off Tom Sawyer-style (convince your
friends that it’s so much fun that they should do it for you!)
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Grace from Portland writes: “One of my best friends never calls me - I always have
to call her, and lately she hasn’t even been returning my calls. She always says she’
s busy. Should I take this to mean she doesn’t want to be friends anymore?”
-Grace, I can understand your frustration with your friend. She may genuinely be
busy, or she may want a break from the friendship. I would wait until she contacts
you, and maybe let her know that it hurts your feelings when she doesn’t call back.
Your forecast for January 2009 says to keep in touch, as good communications
bring opportunity and financial success.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Alex from Massachusetts asks: “I'm a Pisces. Should I go along to get along, or
should I swim against the tide?”
-Pisceans often feel like they are being pulled in different directions, making it
difficult to make concrete decisions.You can also adapt easily to your environment
and often don’t mind going along with the status quo. My advice is to gauge how
happy you are just swimming along with the others. The stars tell me that in 2009,
Pisces will be all about people. People, people, people. You will be around a lot of
like-minded people, and may not have any reason to swim against the tide.
Sarah from the USM area wants to know if it is smart for her to be going to grad
school for a Masters in social work in the fall.
-Sarah, I just advised Alex that social interaction will be key for Pisces next year, so
that could be an indicator that you are headed in the right direction. Pisces are
gentle, patient and impressionable. They are highly sympathetic and are drawn to
work for charitable causes and social services. They are friendly, generous,
compassionate, kind and sensitive towards others. They tend to be tactful towards
any suffering they encounter. They accept the people and situations that surround
them. Rather than taking an initiative towards solving the problem they might be
facing, they may choose to wait patiently for the problems to sort themselves out.
Pisces personalities are apt to be more concerned about the problems of others
than their own. Because of this, I caution you to keep close tabs on your emotional
health while you are doing social work. If it starts dragging you down or
overwhelming you, change jobs before you make yourself ill.
Astrologer’s note: To submit questions, please e-mail them to
thewestendnews@yahoo.com with your first name, location, and astrological sign.
December 10-December 24
***Money Saving Tips ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
In the sweep of holiday excitement, you have a restless energy you may find
confusing. Possibly your antsy-ness comes from a lack of adventure or challenge of
late. Try to keep physically active, and plan a daring getaway soon!
Tip: A microwave oven can rejuvenate foods and various items. Zapping a roll of old
masking tape will make it stick again, and will make a lemon give more juice when
squeezed. Also, buy two-ply toilet paper and pull the sheets apart… or use junk
mail! Just remember to remove any staples or plastic faux credit cards before use.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Feeling like hibernating for the winter? Take some proactive steps to combat this
urge. Open yourself up to new experiences and an awakening of one of your senses
that has been operating on status quo for too long.
Tip: Dryer balls are sold for about $5 each in the laundry section. Use tennis balls
instead. Besides speeding up dryer time, they plump up anything like down coats or
comforters. To avoid the noise, use an old pair of pants, tie each leg closed at the
cuff with strong string, drop a tennis ball in each leg, and tie the leg to capture the
tennis ball at the bottom of each leg. Also, save your bar soap slivers and put them
all in the mesh bag you get onions in, or in an old pair of pantyhose. When you get
enough, they’ll form a whole new bar of soap!
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Pluto’s move into Capricorn on the 26th spells for Geminis a newfound interest in
something intellectual. Narrow your focus if you feel overwhelmed. You have an
ability to impress others with your knowledge.
Tip: Uses for Vinegar (Apple Cider or White): Underarm odor control: Equal parts
vinegar / water, Spray under arms after bathing. Another deodorant: rub pine
needles under your arms! Also, cut open a toothpaste tube with a razor blade to get
the last little bit out.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Everything changes - try not to struggle so hard against it all.
Tip: All beauty products have the same basic and natural ingredients: Olive Oil,
Joba Oil, Coconut Oil, Honey, Sunflower oil.... you can get all of this at a health food
store, in bulk. Make a little at a time to keep it fresh. The coconut oil is about $8 and
you can eat it, cook with it, and rub it all over ...same with the olive oil, and honey.
Take a bit of each, mix well, put it in a recycled container. The honey could be
warmed to mix...or add other ingredients of choice, like essential oils for smell, then
put on your hair for shine and conditioning; put on your face for nutrition and
smoothing of wrinkles, and rub as an all-over body lotion. Put in the fridge so it
solidifies.
Also, try reusing coffee grounds. The second or third pot of bland, watery coffee isn’t
so bad if you think about something else while you’re drinking it.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Are you trying to hold onto something you’ve outgrown and don’t need anymore?
Ask yourself if it’s even something you want anymore. Maybe you can let it go soon.
Tip: Create a magazine swap with your friends. Once a month, get together and
have a party where you trade periodicals. If it’s popular, you could expand it to
bringing in anything to swap!
Also, for presents, you could buy gift cards that you know the recipient will likely not
use. But before you give the gift card, use up most of the money. If the recipient ever
gets around to using it, he will probably blame the store, not the gift-giver.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The entertainer in you will sparkle near the Winter Solstice on December 21st. You’ll
have a short-lived but strong urge to turn everything into a positive. You’ll be making
lemonade out of lemons and apple wine out of rotten apples…
Tip: For cheap gifts, consider making gift bags, and putting in:
-Joke book and whoopee cushion
-DVD, wine and popcorn
-Pack of cards and six-pack of lager/beer
-Paperback book and box of chocolates
-Hair ties and hairbrush or shampoo
-Disposable camera or film and photo album
For a friend who loves sewing, make up a patchwork basket, containing a template
for the shapes, ready-cut squares or hexagons of fabric, threads, needles,
pincushion or scissors.
Two mugs, special tea bags, mini pots of honey and marmalade make a breakfast
basket, or mugs, hot chocolate, and a lavender sachet make a goodnight basket.
Finally if you have no cash at all, write or print out some coupons offering your time
for babysitting, housework, gardening, being a slave for a day - whatever you can
handle.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
December brings you an incredible lineup of planets. You will have much to
celebrate, and some happy surprises as well. If you are buying or selling real estate,
it will come through at December’s end. If you are expecting an addition to the family,
or a sum of money, it will also come at this time. You may have some minor
frustrations at deadlines or things that need to be rushed, but that pales in
comparison to all that is going right for you!
Tip: Buy the least expensive, scoopable cat litter, then add a small box of baking
soda and mix it in. This little orange box runs about 37 cents, and completely
eliminates odors for a fraction of the cost of the name-brand litters.
Ground corn also works. It clumps well, has a soft texture and is non-toxic. After
scooping out the waste, the remaining corn litter may be put into the compost or
tossed around the yard for fertilization. Ground corn may be purchased at feed
stores, farm and ranch supplies and many nurseries for about $6 to $8 for a 50-
pound bag. Be sure to ask for ground corn, not corn meal. You can also use horse
bedding as cat litter. It is scoopable, economical and is 100% biodegradable. It
consists of natural wood fibers, and can be purchased cheaply at a grain and feed
store.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Though you usually have a fiery personality, this energy could find you burning for a
new outlet to blow off steam. The world that surrounds us is full of adventures waiting
to be explored. You know that new Jim Carrey movie where he says YES to
everything? You should say YES to one thing every day that you would not normally
have done. Do it, do it, do it.
Tip: Scrap the wrap. Why pay for something people throw away immediately? Save
yourself money by wrapping gifts in newspaper, paper bags, or paper towels! Also,
houseplant cuttings that you grow and put into a pretty pot make great gifts! Also, if
you need an umbrella or a hat, scarf, or gloves, go to the public library and ask for
the lost and found box. Tell them that you left your black [item] there. They will likely
have a selection of black [items]. Take your pick!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Happy Birthday to two of my Archer friends: Katie Brown and Fritz Lewis! There is a
supercharged Full Moon in Gemini on December 12th. Try talking really fast all day
and see what happens… The Winter Solstice on December 21st will be a time to let
go of old expectations for what your life was supposed to be, and to take stock of
what your current hopes, dreams, and desires are.
Tip: Drop a tealight candle in a glass jar, tie a holiday ribbon around the neck, and
you have a beautiful candle. You could nestle the candle in peppermints, nuts, or
even sand if you wish. Try grouping several together for a dramatic evening effect.
This makes a cheap decoration or gift!
Also, try ditching your overpriced home and live in your car. Make sure to move your
car at least every few nights to a different part of town so as not to arouse suspicion.
Shower at the gym or office and eat for free at parties, events, and from samples at
supermarkets.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Happy Birthday on December 26th to writer David Sedaris. Thanks for cracking us
up, and thanks for coming to Fritz’s art show. Capricorns - hold tight to your integrity
this month. A temptation for recklessness, cutting corners, or questionable behavior
may arise.
Tip: LED Christmas lights use approximately 90% less electricity than conventional
incandescent bulbs. Besides the beauty and intensity of their colors, LED Christmas
lights have several other distinct advantages too. They generate almost no heat; so
the risk of your tree catching fire is greatly reduced, and because LED's last for
10,000 to 20,000 hours before burning out, you may never need to replace them!
Also, if your bed is chilly, skip that extra blanket in favor of newspapers. Put some
West End Newses between your mattress and box spring to heat your bed!
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You’ll be tapping into a hidden reserve of energy and passion this month.
Tip: Fight insurance claim denials. Experts say that 70% of health-insurance claim
appeals are successful. Also, try borrowing stuff from your neighbors! Instead of
going out to buy a new gadget or food for your family, try asking your neighbor for it
first. They may not only have what you need, but they will be delighted to be asked.
You can easily save $100 a year.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Group responsibilities weigh heavily on you. Get those things taken care of now, and
then plan some mirth and revelry at the end of the month.
Tip: Convenience items may offer some extra convenience, but at what cost? Before
you pick up that instant product, check how much you’re paying per ounce of food,
as well as how much extra effort you’ll really need to cook the instant item compared
to the non-instant variety.
i.e. The instant original flavor oatmeal comes 12 packets to a box. Instructions are
pretty simple. Just pour one packet in a bowl, add 2/3 cups of water or milk, and
microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. This instant oatmeal costs $4.39 for 12
packets or 37.2 cents per ounce of cereal. The less expensive regular original flavor
Quaker oatmeal is packaged in the original shaped tub. You measure 1/2 cup of
oatmeal from the tub, add a cup of milk or water, and microwave on high for 1 1/2 to
2 minutes. The cost $3.29 or 18.3 cents per ounce of cereal.
Also, cut your own hair ! Anyone with a pair of scissors can call themselves a
hairdresser. Go on and try it. You could save hundreds of dollars!!!
November 26 - December 10
***Blind Spots ***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your career is going high profile and will become challenging. Focus your attention
on long-range goals, particularly if connected to overseas and academic issues, or
just related to the pursuit of wisdom.
Your blind spot is: You run on adrenaline and have trouble viewing your
successes and failures objectively. You feel like you always have to prove yourself
or one-up yourself. You’re in perpetual competition mode.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Intense communications and dealings are in your cards. Pluto moving into Capricorn
on November 27th for the next 16 years is very good for Taurus. Right now, you
have a chance to strut your stuff as you reach the culmination of a certain part of
your life.
Your blind spot is: You see change as negative and frightening, so you cling to
what is familiar. What you perceive to be threatening disaster may actually be an
opportunity.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Pluto’s move into Capricorn on the 26th spells for Gemini’s a freedom from a two-
year cycle of power struggle. Now you need to figure out where to go from here.
What does your independent self want to become?
Your blind spot is: You’re so busy accumulating information and playing Devil’s
Advocate that you become inconsistent in your own personality. Have you heard that
old adage, “If you’re open to everything, you’ll fall for anything.”?
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Do you want to know what kind of winter we’ll have? The Farmer’s Almanac says that
one predictor is to watch a chipmunk or squirrel bury a nut in the fall. The deeper
they bury it, the longer and colder the winter will be. That could be a great after-
Thanksgiving ritual: take your family out to lurk in the freezing cold yard and wait for
nut-buryers! Who needs football? As far as your horoscope, you may be frustrated
with the direction your career is taking. Aside from the financial component, are the
spiritual and emotional rewards high enough? There are hard choices to be made.
Your blind spot is: You don’t like to be uncomfortable, so you cling to your comfort
zone. You get sentimental over things you could let go of. You also hide from your
real feelings if they are painful, and you retreat into a protective shell.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
The enthusiastic New Moon on November 27th will prod your creative side and your
flair for drama. Soak up the spotlight! The first week of December shows
revitalization to a partnership. A spark in your romantic life, maybe?
Your blind spot is: Your hubris will not allow you to acknowledge your blind spot,
even when it’s pointed out to you! Overconfidence can turn into egomania if you don’
t check it.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
The New Moon on Thanksgiving night will inspire you to either begin a new project,
or take something up that you haven’t done in years. Also, December 5th is
International Volunteer Day! Here are some suggestions from the website www.
worldvolunteerweb.org of ways to promote volunteering:
Distribute a list of all the services which would not exist without volunteers.
Lobby for adoption of legislation designed to promote volunteering.
Launch a local directory of volunteer organizations
Your blind spot is: You like to be ready for what’s in store. A quintessential Boy
Scout, you’re prepared for anything. Is there a thing as preparing too much? Yes,
Virgo, you can miss out on experiencing life when you are stocking up first aid kits
for every drawer in every room of your house.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You have some strong opinions, Libra, and you’ll make an excellent case for them
this month. Speaking of which, December is National Drunk Driving Prevention
month. Started in 1981, this campaign includes the slogan “Friends Don’t Let
Friends Drive Drunk”. You can help by reminding people how dangerous it is to
drive buzzed.
Your blind spot is: You’re a people-pleaser to excess. If you consistently put the
needs of others over your own, you are telling yourself that you are not the most
important person in your life.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
There will be synchronization between your creative skills, your charm and money!
Shift your vision from the past to the future, and focus on the potential of what you
could accomplish.
Your blind spot is: You are a slave to your emotions. If you feel anxious,
depressed, jealous, or any other negative emotion, it colors your entire life, including
your interactions with others and the way people see you. You don’t want to be the
sad sack of every party, do you?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Happy 47th Birthday on November 28th to Jon Stewart, whose “Daily Show” is the
primary source of news for many Americans. The New Moon in your sign on
November 27th may embolden you to sign-up for things you’ve previously forgone.
Stars say you will have holiday cheer coming out of your eyeballs this December.
Bring the rest of us some mistletoe!
Your blind spot is: You relish your freedom by shirking responsibility and structure.
This can limit your finding meaningful and satisfying ventures just as much as being
hemmed in might.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
Your intuition will be speaking to you in the final days of November. You may get a
stroke of genius, or a revelation about which way to go in a dilemma. If the news
affects other people, don’t spill the beans until you’ve told the people involved. On
another note, on December 7th, Guatemala celebrates Burning the Devil. They take
their old mattresses out to the street, and pile papers and trinkets on them. Then as
night falls, they set it on fire. They believe that the devil hides in the corners of the
houses among old things, within garbage, and that the fire makes the devil burn in
his very own inferno.
This purification ritual allows Guatemalans to begin the Christmas season with a
clean home. Without the pyrotechnic hazard, is this an idea you could implement in
your own home?
Your blind spot is: You thrive on achieving success. You love to be in control and
to feel indispensable. You have a lack of faith in other people to do things properly.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
You may need to filter out a lot of thoughts and information whizzing through your
brain. Most of that stuff should not be dwelled on, but the trick is to hold on to the
few worthwhile facts, ideas, and inspirations that come to you. On Thanksgiving,
light a candle for the New Moon in Sagittarius, and write down all of the things you
want to happen over the next month. Put the list away and look at it again at
December’s end.
Your blind spot is: you’re so proud of being unorthodox that you rebel against
everything, even some of the good stuff. You also exhaust yourself trying so fiercely
to be independent and resisting going with the group. Choosing your battles and
saving your energy for the important ones might help.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Despite your conviction that you’re on the right path to a solution, you are actually
headed into a bat-infested cave! Your friends are warning you to get off that path,
and if you don’t listen to the, you’ll deserve the rabies and histoplasmosis
you’ll contract. This Thanksgiving, surround yourself with many people, not just one.
Your blind spot is: Unlike Cancer, you don’t hide from uncomfortable feelings, and
will even cause yourself heartache just to experience it. You have a need to live your
dreams, which requires effort and creativity.
November 12 - November 26
***Historic Events***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
Your natural enthusiasm may lead to restlessness this month. Make sure your
lightning bolt of energy is aimed in a positive direction. You are ready for a new
adventure!
November 12, 1859 Jules Leotard performs the first Flying Trapeze circus act in
Paris. He also designed the garment that bears his name.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Are you looking for shortcuts? Demand specific answers from authority figures and
set firm time limits for projects. A business venture may soon need to end or be
dramatically changed. Ask colleagues to seriously consider your suggestions.
November 13, 1895 The first shipment of canned pineapple was sent from Hawaii to
the continental U.S. It was produced by the Dole company.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
You’ll be taking some risks with some fun-loving people this month, if the stars are
telling the truth. Your uniquely creative approach will be rewarded this month.
November 14, 1889 Intrepid journalist Nellie Bly begins 72-day trip around the
world.
November 14, 1906 Roosevelt becomes 1st US President to visit a foreign country
(Panama).
November 14, 2003 The most distant object ever found in our solar system, named
Sedna, was discovered by astronomers.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Your daily routine may feel stifling to you right now. If you need some motivation to
accomplish all of your chores, pretend that you’re being filmed on a reality show and
whoever finishes their work first wins a million dollars. AND everyone you know is
watching.
Nov. 24, 1874 Joseph F Glidden patents barbed wire.
Nov. 25, 1867 Alfred Nobel invents dynamite.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Use some extra caution mid-November if you are working around your house. For
example, keep your area well- ventilated if you’re using products with fumes. Do
some stretching before and after working, especially if you’re using different muscle
groups than you usually do.
November 25, 1999 Elian Gonzales was rescued off the coast of Florida. The 5-
year-old boy, his mother and 14 other Cubans were trying to flee Cuba in a small
motorboat. Gonzalez, who floated on an inner tube for two days before he was
found, was one of three survivors. Relatives in Miami took in the boy and pleaded
with the government to allow him to remain in the U.S. His father, Juan Miguel
Gonzalez, claimed the boy's mother kidnapped him and asked that he be returned to
Cuba.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You’ll have an extra dose of charisma this month that will attract others to you. Be on
the lookout for a chance encounter that could prove beneficial.
November 25, 1977 David Steed balanced stationary on a bike for 9 hrs 15
minutes. I could not find out any more details about this event. If anyone knows,
please contact me! (thewestendnews@yahoo.com)
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
You may be drawn into a contentious situation between neighbors or relatives. If
possible, stay out of it.
November 20, 1947 "Meet the Press" makes network TV debut on NBC
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
Don’t let your clutter get out of control. Stay on top of physical clutter, but also
mental clutter. Make a to-do list and prioritize. You may have a moneymaking
venture on the horizon. If you’re going into a business partnership, make sure your
partners are trustworthy by checking their references.
Nov. 26th 1991 Condoms are handed out to thousands of NYC high schoolers,
becoming the first city in the country to make condoms available to public high
school students.
The program was inaugurated at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, but Schools
Chancellor Joseph Fernandez expanded the program to all NYC high schools. On
November 26th, gym teachers passed out two condoms to any student who asked,
along with an instruction sheet and a card warning that condoms can break and that
abstinence is the only sure way to avoid AIDS. The manufacturers of Trojan and
Ramses brands donated 400,000 condoms to the schools to begin the program.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
You may be headed for a temporary retreat from the world. Mars in your sign mid-
November will fuel your ambition, but you’ll feel more like hanging out alone or with a
quiet friend than socializing. Your work will consume much of your time and energy
this month.
November 18, 2003 The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage
into the state constitution. Despite Gov. Romney’s efforts, Massachusetts has
upheld that ruling.
Connecticut is now the only other state that performs gay marriages.
November 18, 1307 William Tell shoots apple off his son's head. The king had set
a hat on a pole as symbol of imperial power, and ordered everyone who passed by
to bow before it. As the story goes, a mountaineer named Wilhelm Tell boldly passed
by pole without bowing, and was arrested. His punishment was to shoot an apple off
the head of his son in one shot, or else both would be executed. Tell had no choice
but to obey. The apple was placed on the child's head; Tell amazed the crowd by
piercing the apple flawlessly. The guard noticed that Tell, had a second arrow at the
ready. “It was for you,” said the sturdy archer. “Had I shot my child, know that it would
not have missed your heart.”
I think it would have made a nicer story if he’d said, “…know that it would not have
missed my own heart”, but oh well, happy ending anyway.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Confidential negotiations may lead to an opportunity for you next month. Listen
closely to what is being said behind the scenes and on the down-low.
November 19, 1959 Ford cancels the Edsel
November 19, 1990 Milli Vanilli's Grammy Award was rescinded after it was
discovered they didn't do their own singing
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
With your work life in overdrive this month, you’ll soon be craving some holiday
cheer. Look forward to a New Moon in Sagittarius on November 27th, which will
herald a period of friends and fun for you!
November 18, 1913 Lincoln Deachey performs 1st airplane loop-the-loop
November 18, 1996 Expert on exotic birds is sentenced for smuggling parrots.
Tony Silva, a world-renowned expert and outspoken bird protector, is sentenced to
seven years in prison for leading an illegal parrot smuggling operation. Silva's
indictment and guilty plea shocked the international community of academic experts,
conservationists, and zoologists, who had known and respected him as a bird lover.
Silva's reputation tanked when he was accused of smuggling 557 exotic birds, worth
millions. The U.S. District Court Judge was horrified by the brutal treatment of the
birds during the smuggling operations, and imposed one of the most severe
sentences ever for bird smuggling. In addition to the 82-month prison term, she fined
Silva $100,000 and ordered him to perform 200 hours of community service after his
prison term.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Expect a vigorous atmosphere at work through December. You’ll have opportunity
for recognition and praise when the moon is new on November 28th.
Nov. 26th 1865 Alice in Wonderland published. The entire print run sold out quickly.
Alice was a publishing sensation, beloved by children and adults alike. Among its
first avid readers were young Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria. The book has never
been out of print. One of the few surviving copies of the 1865 first edition was
recently auctioned off for $1.5 million.
October 29 - November 12
***Voting by the Stars
-Part Two***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
The seventy-ninth anniversary of Black Tuesday is on October 29. Black Tuesday
was the culmination of our huge stock market crash. The crash was the start of the
Great Depression, a period of poverty in the industrialized nations. It took about 25
years to recover. As for you, Rams, you have an astute balance of optimism with
realistic goals in sight.
Aries candidates: Tom Allen, Chellie Pingree, and candidate for School
Committee At-Large Liz Holton are Rams. Rosa Alicia Clemente, born April 18th,
1972, is a journalist, community organizer, and hip-hop activist. She is the Green
Party Vice Presidential candidate.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
If you have achieved a sense of oneness and harmony with the earth, you won’t feel
pressure to get more and more money and more and more possessions. If you’re
not at that place of harmony yet, you may have a void that needs filling. No matter
where you are on the “oneness with earth” spectrum, remember that you have a
positive effect on other people’s lives. They become inspired by your inner sense of
calmness and peace and wisdom.
Taurus candidates: Marnie Morrione, who is a write-in candidate for School
Committee District 5, and Charlie Harlow, District 116 candidate for House Rep. are
Bulls.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Sharp thinking will save you from getting off track. The Saturn-Uranus opposition
that is coming in the first week of November is a powerful alignment. In astrology,
Saturn is associated with restriction, self-control, boundaries and limitation. Uranus is
the planet of the unexpected. It is forward-looking, and celebrates originality. Uranus
governs technology, discovery, progressive ideas and rebelliousness.
If you see this opposition in the planets energy coming, you can be careful not to get
carried away with conflicting emotions at this time. Don’t say I never warned you
about anything.
Gemini candidates: Matthew Gonzalez (born June 4, 1965) is a lawyer, and
political activist in San Francisco. He was one of the first Green Party candidates
elected to public office in the Bay Area. Gonzales is the running mate of Independent
presidential candidate Ralph Nader.
Water board candidate Ben Meiklejohn is also a Gemini.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Make sure to do reference checks on anyone you are about to do business with.
Lookout for lucky chance encounters!
Cancer candidates: Stephen Lovejoy, candidate for House District 115 was born
June 22nd. Phil Haskell, candidate for District 117, was born June 23rd. David
Fernald, running for HD 114 was born June 24th. Also Justin Costa, write-in
candidate for School Committee District 4, was born July 18th. Crabs feel a strong
urge to protect their family, community, and homeland. Political office is a natural
choice for them, along with childcare, the arts and the medical profession.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
An increase in social energy may find your priorities favoring parties over business.
Developing new friendships and making changes to your daily routine may actually
be good for you. Pay attention to ideas from loved ones or fresh social plans from
friends. You also may experience an increase in family and home issues.
Leo candidates: House District 120 candidate Diane Russell and District 115
candidate Michael Hiltz are Leos. Barack Obama is also a Leo. Active, clever, and
proud, Leos love to be the center of attention and exert influence over others. They
are formidable decision makers, disciplinarians, and leaders.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
October 31st is Samhain, the Pagan celebration of New Year. “This is our time of
endings and beginnings; a quieter time, a time when the veil between the physical
and spiritual world is at it’s thinnest and spirits may pass between more readily. This
is the time to revere our ancestors and to say farewell to those that have passed this
last year. This begins a time of darkness, when the land begins its slumber and from
now until Yule, the days grow shorter and darker. Winter storms begin to sweep
down from the north. The time when the earth rests is begun at Samhain. We
celebrate the year passed and the year to come. We light bonfires and perform
rituals to honor those that have gone before.” Some items associated with Samhain
are: pumpkin, apple, nuts, thistle, chrysanthemum, oak leaves, sage, nutmeg, sage,
squashes, mulled wine, and cranberries. www.geocities.com
The stars tell me that this week you’ll be balancing your need for structure with your
desire for freedom and independence. If there is tension in a relationship, try to
release the tension privately instead of in public.
Virgo candidates: Donna Bendiksen,
House Candidate 115, was born on September 4th. Herb Adams, House District
117 is a Virgo.
Senator John McCain was born on August 29th. Virgos are uncomfortable with
disorder, emotions, and close human relationships. They seek to structure the world
around them, and are good at creating solutions.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Others are looking to your lead right now. Your motivation to be connected socially is
as infectious as your charm. If you throw a party this week, make sure you’ll have
enough food!
Libra candidates: Tina Smith’s birthday is October 14th. Peter Doyle’s birthday
is October 11th. Bill Linnell is also a Libra.
SCORPIO (October 23 -November 21) You’re chasing after optimism
this week, and with some effort you can elevate your mood and general attitude.
Beware of getting so caught up in feeling good that you ignore common sense. Take
time to consider the implications of your actions, and make sure they are in line with
your hopes, goals, and ideals.
Scorpio candidates: Joan Cohen, candidate for House District 113 was born
November 2nd. City Council At-Large candidate; incumbent mayor Ed Suslovic,
was born November 17th, and Democratic Vice Presidential hopeful Joe Biden was
born November 20th.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
You may have been feeling ignored or misunderstood at work lately. A reversal will
come with a revived sense of your own self-worth. The passionate New Moon in
Scorpio will help you assert yourself with co-workers. On another note, there is no
simple solution to your conundrum of feeling restless while simultaneously craving
security. If you see the duality in these mutually exclusive drives, it may alleviate
some of the stress and anxiety that the clash produces.
Sagittarian candidate: Republican Susan Collins, born December 7, 1952, and
Mary Francis O’Brien, write-in candidate for School Committee in District 4.
CAPRICORN (December 22 -January 19)
There is an intense alignment coming in the first week of November between Saturn
and Uranus. It may lead you to question something fundamental about your
worldview.
Capricorn candidates: Republican candidate for Congress Charlie Summers and
Democratic State Senate candidate Justin Alfond are Capricorns, as are Jeff
Martin, District 113 candidate for House of Representitives, and Chris Breen, write-
in candidate for School Committee in District 5. There are plenty of Capricorns in
politics. Methodical, pragmatic and dependable, these people will challenge business
as usual if they see fit. They are outspoken critics of injustice and are indefatigable
when they take a position. Their only danger is of becoming hardened and
insensitive.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
The intense New Moon in Scorpio on October 28th may be a difficult passage for
you. It could be emotionally dark terrain, but remember that you can come out the
other side much stronger than you were before. Cosmically, this is an unusual time
with a lot going on, and your unorthodox approach to things will be less noticeable (i.
e. your friends may not question why you are burning all of your furniture in a
bonfire, taking up skeet shooting, or painting giant murals in fingernail polish…)
Aquarius candidates: HD 120 candidate Sandy Amborn; HD 119 candidate Dan
Jenkins; HD 116 candidate Kenneth A. Capron; City Council District 5 candidate
Naomi Mermin; City Council At-Large candidate Dory Waxman, and GOP VP pick
Sarah Palin are all water-bearers.
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
You may finally shuck off the burden of guilt or negative judgments that have held
you back for a long time. Breaking free from constrictive patterns would bring a
wonderful sense of freedom to you. You can thank the Saturn-Uranus opposition
that is coming in the first week of November.
Pisces candidates: Cynthia McKinney, born March 17, is the Green Party
nominee for President. Ralph Nader, running for President as an Independent, was
born February 27th. Unopposed candidate for City Council District 4 Cheryl
Leeman is a Pisces, as is Jonathan Berry, County Commissioner candidate. “I'm a
fish -- How's that for being a dreamer?” asks Eric Lusk, candidate for Senate District
8.
October 8 - October 22
***The Rewards of Giving Your Money Away***
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
On October 13th, I don’t feel like celebrating Columbus Day. I’d prefer to spend a
day in shame over how my ancestors treated Native Americans. This is a
commentary on that barbarism:
Before our white brothers arrived to make us civilized men, we didn't have any kind
of prison. Because of this, we had no delinquents.
We had no locks nor keys and therefore among us there were no thieves.
When someone was so poor that he couldn't afford a horse, a tent or a blanket,
he would, in that case, receive it all as a gift.
We were too uncivilized to give great importance to private property.
We didn't know any kind of money and consequently; the value of a human being
was not determined by his wealth.
We had no written laws laid down, no lawyers, no politicians, therefore we were not
able to cheat and swindle one another.
I don't know how to explain how we were able to manage without these fundamental
things
that (so they tell us) are so necessary for a civilized society.
Sioux Lakota - 1903-1976
Give your money to: The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program supports the traditional
Elders who live in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Navajo People. The Program
provides food, simple medicines, clothing, fabric and yarns to help these Elders live
on the land in their traditional lifestyle. As they have become elderly, it has become
more difficult for them to support themselves on the Land in their traditional ways.
The Program supports 500 traditional Elders who live in the Northern portion of
Arizona and Southern Utah.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
The Full Moon on the 14th is called The Hunter’s Moon. It will be in the sign of Aries,
which indicates self-renewal. There may be a birth of some kind in your life. Don’t
worry if you feel lost in a fog for a few days – clarity is on the way!
Give your money to: Taping for the Blind, Inc. is an independent non-profit
organization with a mission to Turn Sight into Sound, enriching the lives of
individuals with visual, physical and learning disabilities. Their programs include
Radio Reading, Custom Recording and Audio Description services. www.
tapingfortheblind.org
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Financial decisions may be plaguing you this month - you may want to hold off on
some expenses until the end of the month when you’ll be clearer about how much
money you have and whether or not you can spend it. Find some things to do that
are free, like joining a book club or going to local meetings.
Give your money to: For $25, "Replant the Zoo" donors, or gift recipients, will
receive a certificate of recognition printed on recycled paper, citing the tree they
sponsor. Donors giving $700 or more will fund the planting of a mature tree, and will
be recognized on a bronze plaque displayed on Zoo grounds. Another program is
Parents of the Wild -
"Adopt" the animal of your choice and help with the feeding and care of your "wild
child" at the Zoo.
www.zoofriends.org
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
You’ve worked hard for months, and can afford to take a few days off. Take a trip to
visit a friend toward the end of October.
Give your money to: The Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center. TRRC
provides an environment that is both safe for and accessible to those with special
needs, young and old. They offer recreational riding for individuals with and without
disabilities, and for riders at all levels of ability. They provide hippotherapy, equine
assisted psychotherapy, participation in competition in the Equestrian Special
Olympics, and other therapeutic and educational interactions with horses.
Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit
from therapeutic riding. The unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to
increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. www.trrcmd.org
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
You’ll have a better time with outdoor activities this month than staying in. If a gift is
offered to you that may have strings attached, use your instinct to guide you in the
right direction.
Give your money to: International Bridges to Justice. Ensure the rights of China’s
children. The most proven way to ensure legal rights is to provide people with
attorneys at the time of arrest. They train Chinese defenders, promote their
services, and link them with those in need. Where your money goes: $25 prints and
distributes 25 legal rights posters, creating an informed citizenry, $350 trains one
attorney who can defend up to 100 cases pr year, $1,000 buys one computer that
defenders can use to reach more clients and improve productivity. www.ibj.org
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
You’ll either get a raise at work, a part-time job, or win a contest this month, Virgos!
Take a few chances on raffles or investments and watch your billfold expand!
Give your money to: Americares delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to
people in crisis around the world. Whether it's an epic disaster or a daily struggle,
AmeriCares ensures that medicines, medical supplies and aid reaches individuals in
need wherever they are. In a quarter of a century, they have delivered more than
$8 billion of aid to 137 countries. Additional shipments of medicines and medical
supplies arrived in Myanmar recently, as part of AmeriCares sustained relief effort in
the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. Your money will help provide long-term relief in the
aftermath of this disaster. Or, help Americares continue their life-saving work in
Darfur and Chad and Sudan. www.americares.org
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Overconfidence may lead you into disappointment. Try to be more skeptical of a
situation until you’re sure of the outcome. Ask questions; check details; don’t take
anything at face value.
Give your money to: www.whistleblowing.us
"Whistlestop" a peaceful Mountain retreat for "Whistle Blowers". The mountains and
fields of "Whistlestop" offer solitude and support for the "Whistle Blower", even in the
winter. The Snow at "Whistlestop" is particularly tranquil. In return for your donation,
you’ll receive a dossier of your whistleblower, and occasional photos of your
whistleblower rolling down the grassy fields or making snow angels at the
Whistlestop.
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
The limelight is all yours this month and people are attracted to your charisma like
moths to a flame. The Full Moon on October 14th may increase your energy and
attention span at work. As all eyes will be on you – you’ll need it!
Give your money to: www.heifer.org "If there is one thing I could give to the
struggling people of the world it would be self-reliance. Everyone deserves the
dignity of providing for themselves and their families. That's why I support Heifer
International."
-Walter Cronkite
Choose a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children and families around
the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. Heifer’
s gift animals will provide families with resources they need.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Are you having trouble sleeping? Blame the current planetary alignment. Try reading
a book on astrology at bedtime – that does the trick for me.
Give your money to: Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind health care
system providing pediatric specialty care to thousands of kids each year -- at no
charge to their families -- thanks to the generosity of donors, past and present. www.
support.shrinershospitals.org
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
The Full Moon in Aries on the 14th provides the perfect cosmic energy for you to
host a party! Consider an unusual theme to this get-together, such as a talent show,
a cook-off, or a game night. A competitive spirit is in the air, and focusing it on a
theme will lessen the chance of your guests coming to blows.
Give your money to: Victory Housing is an award-winning nonprofit developer and
operator of quality affordable assisted living for frail seniors and rental housing for
working families and independent seniors. www.victoryhousing.org
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarian Thomas Edison was the first person to invent a machine to count votes
taken by legislative bodies. It was his first patented invention in 1869. A fellow
telegrapher named Dewitt Roberts bought an interest in the invention for $100 and
took it to Washington, D.C. and showed it to Congress. The chairman saw the speed
with which the instrument could record votes, and nixed the machine. The slow pace
of roll call voting in Congress and other legislatures benefited members, allowing
them to filibuster legislation or convince others to change their votes. Edison's vote
recorder was never used. As for you, water-bearing friends, consider taking a quick
trip to clear your mind. A day of leaf-peeping or a weekend camping trip would fit the
bill for your mental health.
Give your money to: Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) is a volunteer-based
organization that provides for the comprehensive needs of companion animals for
low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses, as well as senior
citizens. By providing these support services, and advocating for the rights of
disabled individuals to keep service animals, PAWS improves the health and well-
being of disabled individuals and the animals in their lives. Where Your Donation
Goes:
Services to low income people living with AIDS include emergency and preventative
vet care, food & supplies, food delivery for the homebound, transportation, foster
care, dog walking, litter box maintenance and grooming.
www.pawssf.org
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
The possibility of a pay raise or an influx of cash exists toward the end of October.
Continue being frugal, though, because Suze Orman is warning us all not to spend a
penny, and she knows more about financial matters than I do.
The literary world lost a luminary Pisces last month with the suicide of David Foster
Wallace. Best known for his novel Infinite Jest, Wallace received The MacArthur
“Genius Grant” in 1997, covered Senator John McCain's 2000 presidential
campaign, and 9/11 for Rolling Stone, and wrote several non-fiction books including
Everything and More: A Compact History of Infinity (2003), and Consider the
Lobster (2005).
Give your money to: Raina Foundation. RRF has recently undertaken a project to
build 6000 concrete homes for slum dwellers in Bawana in North Eastern Delhi.
Living in makeshift huts, people are completely subjected to the elements. RRF
builds brick and concrete homes for these slum dwellers. Your contribution will help
with the construction costs of one house. Each house costs roughly $ 1,500-2,000.
A number of houses are currently under construction. Sponsor a home today and
provide the comfort of a safe shelter to these poor families. Your contribution will be
acknowledged with a marble slab with your name engraved on it. This slab will be put
inside the house you choose to sponsor. www.rainafoundation.com
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